Simultaneous detection of F^-and CN^-by a simple colorimetric chemosensor with high selectivity

A julolidine-nitroaniline conjugate as a new simple colorimetric chemosensor 1 for the detection of both ^F- and CN^- has been developed. This sensor could simultaneously detect two biologically important anions (F^- and CN^-) through colorimetric methods over most other competitive anions. It exhibited a distinct color change from yellow to orange upon addition of F^- through deprotonation process. In addition, the sensor 1 displayed an obvious color change from yellow to colorless upon binding with CN^- through a nucleophilic addition mechanism. Thus, this sensor exhibits a new method to simultaneously assay F^- and CN^- with different color change in the same solvent environment.