Vitamin B6 cofactor derived chemosensor for the selective colorimetric detection of acetate anions

A novel vitamin B6 cofactor derived anion sensor L for the selective colorimetric detection of acetate has been developed by the condensation of pyridoxal and 2-aminothiophenol. The sensor L showed a noteworthy change in the visible region of the spectrum and was detected by the ‘naked-eye’ for both acetate and fluoride anions in DMSO but selectively for acetate in DMSO/H2O (88:12, v/v). The anion recognition ability of L was investigated by spectroscopic (UV–vis and 1H NMR) and DFT methods.