An anion recognition receptor, a kind of thiourea derivative, was designed and synthesized by combining indoline-2,3-dione and 1,3-diaminothiourea. The anion recognition can be easily monitored by anion complexation induced changes in UV-vis absorption spectra. In particular, the binding ratio between the receptor and fluoride is 1:2 but in the case of dihydrogenphosphate and acetate are 1:1. Moreover, the affinity constants revealed that the receptor can recognize acetate well. Finally, ¹H NMR experiments were carried out to explore the nature of interaction between this new receptor and acetate.
thiourea; anion receptor; optical recognition; acetate
