Naked eye detection of fluoride and pyrophosphate with an anion receptor utilizing anthracene and nitrophenyl group as signaling group

New chromogenic receptor 2 utilizing anthracene and nitrophenyl group as signaling group was designed and synthesized. The receptor 2 utilizes amide N–H, amine N–H, and 9-anthracenyl hydrogen to bind anions. The receptor 2 binds anions through hydrogen bonds with a selectivity of CH 3 CO 2 - > H 2 PO 4 - > C 6 H 5 CO 2 - > HSO 4 - > ClO 4 - > NO 3 - . In addition, the receptor 2 proved to be an efficient naked eye detector for fluoride and pyrophosphate.