Selective signaling of peracetic acid over hydrogen peroxide by desulfurization of an anthracene-thioamide

Selective signaling of peracetic acid by desulfurization of a thioamide was investigated. A thioamide derivative of anthracene 1 was efficiently desulfurized by peracetic acid to the corresponding amide 2, which resulted in a pronounced turn-on type fluorescent signaling. Signaling was not affected by the presence of another important oxidant hydrogen peroxide thereby providing selective signaling of the peracetic acid from its frequent contaminant hydrogen peroxide. Anthracene-thioamide 1 also provided selectivity for peracetic acid over commonly encountered metal ions and anions. The chemical transformation was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and fluorescence measurements.