Optical recognition of anions by ruthenium(II)-bipyridine-calix[4]arene system.

The two t-butylcalix[4]arene attached ruthenium(II)-bipyridine complexes (Rubc2 and Rubc3) has been synthesized and the anion recognition studies have been carried out using emission techniques. The binding of anions, which are sensed by the complexes, are studied by UV-visible and emission techniques. The complex Rubc2 recognizes the Cl(-), H2PO4 (-) and AcO(-) anions. The complex Rubc3 recognizes the Br(-) and AcO(-) anions. The AcO(-) quenches the emission intensity of both two complexes but the other anion increases the emission intensity of the complexes. The excited state lifetime and transient absorption studies were carried out the AcO(-) facilitates non radiative pathway. The other anions stabilize the excited state and facilitate the radiative pathway.