Electroanalytical and spectral investigation of organic receptors as colorimetric and absorption ratiometric anion chemosensor

Abstract

Colorimetric receptors R1 and R2 have been designed and synthesized by Schiff base condensation and characterised by standard spectroscopic techniques. Anion binding ability of the receptors have been investigated quantitatively through optical, electrochemical and 1HNMR titration studies. UV-vis spectra of receptor R1 and R2 exhibited a significant red shift for F? and AcO? ions with a visual color response. Receptor R1 exhibited selective response towards AcO? ion in the presence of HEPES buffer media. Incremental color change of receptor R2 with the higher equivalence of AcO? ions clearly represent the ratiometric response. Cyclic voltammetric studies of R1 and R2 exhibits shift in oxidation and reduction peak with successive addition of AcO? ions indicating the anion induced oxidation of -NH and reduction of the keto group and nitro species. Electrooptical and 1H NMR titration studies of R2 collectively reflects the anion induced change of chromophore from C=N to N=N indicative of azo-hydrazone tautomeric signaling in the presence of AcO? ions. Lower detection limit of 2.1 and 0.41 ppm achieved with sodium salt of AcO? ion with R1 and R2 reflects their utility as colorimetric chemosensor. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.