New iridium complexes with two pre-organized urea groups and thiourea groups as phosphorescent chemosensors for H2PO4- and chiral carboxylates

As a versatile platform for phosphorescent chemosensors, bis(benzylic amine) derivative 6 was synthesized. Two urea groups could be readily introduced for phosphorescent chemosensor 1. A preorganized binding pocket could induce a selective phosphorescence enhancement with H2PO4-. A new iridium complex 2 bearing two thiourea groups as well as glucopyranosyl chiral barriers is reported as a first chiral phosphorescent chemosensor for amino acids. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.