Cu(II) complex of an abiotic receptor as highly selective fluorescent sensor for acetate

A copper complex having quinoline moiety as fluorophore has been synthesized. The anion recognition behavior of the receptor and its copper complex has been studied in acetonitrile and in acetonitrile: H2O (95:5 v/v). The copper complex shows high selectivity toward acetate over other anions studied such as F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, OAc-, DL-malate, L-mandelate, benzoate, isophthalate, H2PO4-, NO3- and HSO4-. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.