RESUMO
A colorimetric and absorption ratiometric anion sensor (L) based on indole and hydrazide binding units was designed and synthesized, and its recognition & sensing properties towards different anions were studied by naked-eye observations, UV-vis and (1)H NMR titration spectra. Sensor L could selectively recognize biologically important F(-), AcO(-) and H2PO4(-) in DMSO over other anions, along with a significant change in its color and absorption spectrum, resulting from the formation of corresponding 1:2 (L/F(-)) and 1:1 (L/AcO(-) and L/H2PO4(-)) complexes. The (1)H NMR titration experiments proved that sensor L experienced deprotonation of NH fragment and produced [HF2](-) species, whereas a stable H-bonding complex was formed in the presence of AcO(-) and H2PO4(-).