Spectroscopic and computational study of a naphthalene derivative as colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for bioactive anions.

The anion recognition property of a naphthalene based receptor (L) was investigated by naked-eye, UV-Vis, fluorescence, (1)H NMR and computational methods. The receptor L showed fluoride selective naked-eye detectable colorimetric and UV-Vis spectral changes over other tested anions due to the formation of hydrogen bonding complex in 1:1 stoichiometry and/or deprotonation between fluoride and the receptor. Interestingly, the fluorescence of L was quenched by fluoride but enhanced by acetate.