Effect of a hydroxyl group in an anthracene-labelled pyridine amide receptor in molecular recognition of α-keto and hydroxy monocarboxylic acids

To ascertain the role of a hydroxyl group in carboxylic acid recognition, anthracene-labelled pyridine amide sensor 1 was designed and synthesized. The sensor functions as an ‘off–on’ fluorescence switch for α-keto and hydroxy acids. The binding properties were studied using 1H NMR, fluorescence and UV–vis spectroscopic methods. Sensor 1 is selective for pyruvic acid.