In summary, we have synthesized two novel colorimetric anion
sensors which selectively recognize fluoride and acetate over other
anions (Cl, Br, I, NO
3 , ClO
4 , HSO
4 , and H2PO
4 ) in chloroform.
More importantly, these sensors show naked-eye detection for
fluoride and acetate anions at room temperature. The nature of
the anion receptor interaction has been defined by UV–vis and
NMR spectroscopy, and we concluded that in the case of 1 and 2,
hydrogen bonding interactions are most likely involved in the recognition
process.