Multimodal Sensing of Acetate Anion by Using Anthraimidazoledione‐Based Redox‐Active Amphiphilic Dye in Aqueous Environment

Abstract

AbstractAnthraimidazoledione based amphiphilic dye is synthesized that exhibits pH‐responsive chromogenic response in aqueous environment. This entices us to investigate its anion‐responsive behavior. In pure water, the compound shows no optical response towards anions (poor sensitivity), whereas interaction with multiple anions is witnessed in acetonitrile medium (poor selectivity). Interestingly, changes in solution color from yellow to orange is observed explicitly upon addition of acetate anion, accompanied by fluorescence turn‐off response. Further, it is revealed that the acetate engaged in hydrogen bonding interaction with both imidazole −NH group and hydroxyl unit. The high basicity of acetate anion along with ‘Y‐shaped’ structure might be responsible for such unique selectivity. The present system has been involved in analyzing residual acetate in natural water samples. Low‐cost, reusable paper strips have been designed for equipment free, rapid on‐location detection of acetate.