A phenanthrene-based calix[4]arene as a fluorescent sensor for Cu2+ and F-

A new phenanthrene-based fluorescent calix[4]arene (4) has been synthesized in cone conformation. This compound was examined for its fluorescent properties towards different metal ions (Na+, Li+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Ba2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Pb2+) and anions (F-, Cl-, Br-, H2PO4-, NO3-, HSO4-, CH3COO-) by fluorescence spectroscopy. The properties of the compound were evaluated and show that it is a fluorescence sensor for Cu2+ and F-. With the addition of Cu2+ and F-, the fluorescence was severely quenched. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.