Chapter 6 - Functional Dyes for Molecular Recognition: Chromogenic and Fluorescent Receptors

Abstract

This chapter deals with the design and synthesis of chromogenic and fluorescent receptors. The extent of relevant data, however, is too vast to be surveyed within a small chapter, especially for metal cation-recognition. Due to their potential of nondestructive detection and high sensitivity, they have become of great interest in the development of molecular sensors that change their absorption and/or fluorescence properties in response to the presence of biologically important analytes. Although the works described in the chapter were not always purposely directed toward analytical application, some of the receptors and systems seem to have sufficient potential as practical molecular sensors. Further investigations for chromogenic and fluorescent receptors using the principles of supramolecular chemistry may result in conventional analytical chemistry to be modified to a molecular recognition.