Benzobisoxazole fluorophore vicariously senses amines, ureas, anions

A benzobisoxazole-based cruciform fluorophore forms fluorescent complexes with simple boronic acids. Through the changes of their fluorescence emission colours, these complexes can sense and qualitatively distinguish among structurally similar organic nitrogen compounds (amines and ureas) and small organic and inorganic anions. Preliminary results suggest that the intensity of this hybrid sensor's fluorescent response to chloride anions can be quantitatively correlated to chloride concentration.