Anthracene derivatives bearing two urea groups as fluorescent receptors for anions

For the recognition and sensing of anionic analytes, comparative studies were carried out on the anion bindings of pyrophosphate, H2PO4−, and dicarboxylates to the anthracene derivatives bearing two urea groups on the 1,8 and 9,10-positions as fluorescent chemosensors for anions. Their binding properties were compared using fluorescence and 1H NMR, and the results were rationalized with an ab initio study.