Fluorescent acetate-sensing in aqueous solution

A novel phosphonium derivative of anthracene was rationally designed and synthesized by the reaction of 9,10-dibromomethylanthracene with triphenylphosphine. This receptor showed a distinct UV–vis and fluorescence change when treated with acetate ions in aqueous solutions, as a result of a combined effect of electrostatic force and hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition, 1H NMR and 31P NMR titrations were carried out to explore the nature of interaction between receptor 1 and acetate. Finally, we discussed and analyzed the proposed mode of the host–guest bonding in solution.