Selective colorimetric sensing of PO43− and CO32− based on the assembly of dihydroxymethyl-di-(2-pyrrolyl)methane and TCNQ

A new class of non-covalent charge-transfer complex, formed by dipyrromethane and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), is characterized. As colorimetric anion sensors, the assembly of dihydroxymethyl-di-(2-pyrrolyl)methane and TCNQ may be used for higher selective detection of PO43− and CO32− than other inorganic anions in MeCN/H2O (1:1, v/v) solvent system.