Pterin-based highly selective, ratiometric, and sensitive ‘naked-eye’ sensor for acetate

The design and synthesis of a new pterin-based ratiometric and sensitive ‘naked-eye’ sensor R for highly selective recognition of acetate are reported. The acidic lactam NH and the NH of 2-N-pivaloyl group of receptor R along with 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazone group having the other acidic NH moiety lead to the binding of acetate anion in a 1:2 ratio by change of spectroscopic behavior on complexation (UV–vis and 1H NMR studies) which is also proven by Job plot. The sharp color change from light yellow to violet promises R to be a useful chromogenic ratiometric sensor for acetate amongst other common anions.