Synthesis and fluorescence spectroscopic studies of novel 9-phenylacridino-18-crown-6 ether type sensor molecules

The synthesis of two new 9-phenylacridino-18-crown-6 ether type sensor molecules [1 and (R, R)-2] was accomplished. The cation recognition ability of the achiral sensor molecule 1 towards various ions was studied in acetonitrile by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. Our studies revealed the binding of Ag+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and NH4+ ions by the latter molecule. Selectivity of the chiral dimethyl-substituted analogue (R, R)-2 was studied toward the enantiomers of the hydrogen perchlorate salts of 1-phenylethylamine, 1-(1-naphthyl) ethylamine, phenylglycine methyl ester and phenylalanine methyl ester using fluorescence spectroscopy.