Design and evaluation of sensory systems based on amphiphilic anthraquinones molecular receptors

A new paradigm is described that allows one to create different types of sensors: from highly sensitive ones to practical household devices. Our approach relies on modular molecular receptors incorporating an intensely-colored aminoanthraquinone signaling unit equipped with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic modules, the number and size of which being configured in accordance with the targeted analyte and the sought detection method. An important advantage is the compliance with some principles of green chemistry, avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. The proper functionalization of the anthraquinone scaffold afforded water-soluble chromoinophores capable of quantifying selectively Hg2+…