Optical Anion Receptors with Urea/Thiourea Subunits on a TentaGel Support

Two simple chemosensors with urea (L1) and thiourea (L2) groups were synthesized and studied by different spectroscopic techniques. Both receptors can sense acetate (Ac-), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4-), and fluoride (F-) anions, accompanied by changes in UV-vis and H-1 NMR spectra, and an optical response is observed as a color change of the solutions due to deprotonation and hydrogen-bonding processes. Also, L1 and L2 were supported on TentaGel resins (R1 and R2), and their fluoride-sensing properties in DMSO and water solutions were studied. Interestingly, R2 can sense fluoride ions in sample solutions of 100% water.

Automated summary

Two simple chemosensors with urea and thiourea groups were synthesized and studied for their ability to sense acetate, dihydrogen phosphate, and fluoride ions. Changes in UV-vis and H-1 NMR spectra were observed, along with an optical response in the form of color changes in the solutions. Additionally, the fluoride-sensing properties of the chemosensors were studied in DMSO and water solutions, with one of them showing the ability to detect fluoride ions in 100% water solutions.