Abstract: Five new isophthalic aldehyde bis-arylthiosemicarbazone receptors were designed and synthesized. The binding properties of the receptors with anions such as F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, CH₃COO^-, HSO^-₄ , H₂PO^-₄ and NO^-₃ in DMSO were investigated byUV-Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. A clear color change was observed from colorless to deep yellow upon addition of F^- and CH₃COO^- to the solution of the five receptors in DMSO. The results show that the five receptors had a better selectivity of F^- and CH₃COO^-, but had no evident binding with Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, HSO^-₄, H₂PO^-₄ and NO^-₃. It was regular that the five receptors had different binding abilities with F^- and CH₃COO^-. The UV-Vis data indicate that a 1∶1 stoichiometry complex was formed between the receptors and the two anions. ¹H NMR titrations and solvation effect confirmed hydrogen bonding interaction between the receptors and anions.

Key words: Bis-arylthiosemicarbazone, Synthesis, Anion recognition