Sensitive fluorescent sensors for malate based on calix[4]arene bearing anthracene

Two chiral fluorescence receptors 3a and 3b based on calix[4]arenes were synthesized, and their chiral recognition properties for enantiomeric malate were studied by fluorescence and H-1 NMR spectra in CHCl3. The addition of either L- or D-malate caused obvious fluorescence quenching of the host solution. Different fluorescent responses demonstrate that the two receptors have good enantioselective recognition abilities towards malate. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.