The first colorimetric receptor for the B4O72- anion based on nitro substituted phenanthroimidazole ferrocene derivatives

摘要

Four phenanthroimidazole ferrocene derivatives (2a-2d) were designed, synthesized and characterized by H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). Recognition of 12 anions by 2a-2d was investigated by UV-Vis absorption analysis, showing that 2b and 2d sensed B4O72- selectively among the tested anions with an obvious color change observed. H-1 NMR titrations and theoretical calculations demonstrated that 2b binds B4O72- through O center dot center dot center dot H hydrogen bonding and O center dot center dot center dot B interactions between the nitro moiety and the B4O72- anion.