Novel thiophene based colorimetric and fluorescent receptor for selective recognition of fluoride ions

A colorimetric anion sensor 2,2′-(1E,1′E)-(thiophene-2,5-diylbis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)) was synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Anion binding studies were carried out using UV–visible spectrophotometric titrations and emission spectra studies, revealed that the receptor exhibits selective recognition toward F−over other anions. The selectivity for F−among the halides is attributed mainly to the hydrogen-bond interaction of the receptor with F−. Receptor 1 showed color change from fluorescent green to orange in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride with 1:1 stoichiometry. Receptor 1 exhibits remarkably enhanced fluorescence intensity.