A new naphthalene based receptor (L) has been designed and synthesized which shows a remarkable
color change from colorless to pink on selective binding with acetate. The anion recognition property
of the receptor via hydrogen bonding interactions is monitored by UV–vis, fluorescence, and
1 H NMR
titrations. It is observed that in each case, the receptor shows a specific selectivity toward the acetate
ion over other interfering anions. Thus, a significant bathochromic shift in UV–vis spectrum with a sharp
pink color in ‘naked-eye’ makes the receptor suitable for the detection of the acetate ion.