Biphenyl macrolactams in anion complexation. Selective naked-eye fluoride recognition

Two colorimetric anion sensors 1 and 2 allow for the selective differentiation of fluoride in the presence of other anions. Two different types of species have been observed in the complexation process, one of them is a co-ordination complex and the other is a salt generated by ligand deprotonation. The deprotonation reaction induces a conformational change, giving rise to a symmetrical species. This species is responsible for colour development. Ligand 3 has a similar structure and does not give rise to any colour modification due to presence of the dimethylamino groups in the biphenyl moiety. The X-ray structure of ligand 2 is also reported and compared with that of ligand 1, that had bee…