Selective anion recognition by retarding the cooperative polarization effect of amide linkages

A novel benzthiazole-based fluorescent receptor was synthesized, and its anion recognition properties were compared with those of similarly designed benzimidazole-based receptors. The selectivity of this receptor for the recognition of dihydrogen phosphate is enhanced by employing hydrogen bonding, in which cooperative polarization effect to the carbonyl group of amide linkages is lacking.