Fluorescent studies of two new binaphthyl–azacrown–anthracene fluorophores with metal ions and chiral guests: dual fluorescent detection via binaphthyl and anthracene groups

Two new binaphthyl–azacrown–anthracene fluorophores were synthesized. These new fluorescent receptors exhibited large fluorescent changes with aqueous Hg2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. Interestingly, the fluorescent emissions from the binaphthyl and anthracene groups using different excitation wavelengths showed different patterns in the presence of metal ions. The chiral recognitions of these receptors with chiral ammonium guests were also examined.