Anthracene-linked calix[4]pyrroles: fluorescent chemosensors for anions

Abstract

Fluorescent anthracene–calix[4]pyrrole conjugates 2, 4 and 5 have been synthesized; these receptors can detect the presence of anions (e.g. F^–, Cl^–, H₂PO₄ ^–) by a significant quenching of their fluorescence.