Chromogenic detection of fluoride, dihydrogen phosphate, and arsenite anions based on 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine receptors: spectral and electrochemical study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The colorimetric recognition of biologically relevant fluoride (F−), acetate (AcO−), and dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4 −) ions, and poisonous arsenite (AsO2 −) ions, was devised and new receptors for these anions synthesised via the Schiff base condensation procedure. UV–visible titration, fluorescence titration, 1H-NMR titration, and cyclic voltammetry were used to explore the interactions of receptors R1–R3 with anions and possible detection mechanisms. The synthesised probes could sense inorganic fluoride, acetate, dihydrogen phosphate, and arsenite in the organo–aqueous medium (H2O/ Dimethylsulphoxide, 1: 9, v/v) and displayed a change in colour detectable to the naked eye. Out of the three synthesised receptors, receptor R1 showed better sensing ability of fluoride, acetate, dihydrogen phosphate, and arsenite ions in the organo–aqueous medium with a lower detection limit of 0.1 ppm, 0.171 ppm, 0.194 ppm, and 0.144 ppm, respectively. All three receptors formed complexes with the anions through H-bonding interaction followed by deprotonation of the NH proton.