Hydrazide chemosensor detects fluoride ions cooperatively for binding fluoride and potassium ions

Chemosensors to detect ions have been increasingly studied to distinguish hazardous and economic species, and detecting and recuperating ions is crucial. Searching for a low-cost technique and better chemosensors, our group presents exciting results, using the UV–Vis technique to evidence the effective interaction between the ligand (1) and the anions F⁻, Ac⁻, and CrO₄²⁻, as well as the NMR titration. Low LOD for these ions (3.0 × 10^–7–6.3 × 10⁻⁸ mol dm⁻³) showed a high affinity for all the anions. A curious cooperative binding of fluoride and potassium to the ligand was observed for the first time, giving a high sensibility for ligand 1. Due to the high affinity of the ligand for these anionic species, binding strength, and low interference, the excellent applicability of the sensor’s potential for environmental problems becomes evident.