Three new aroylthiourea receptors were synthesized. The binding properties of the receptors with anions such as F^－, Cl^－, Br^－, AcO^－, HSO₄^－ and H₂PO₄^－ were examined by UV-Vis spectroscopy methods. The results showed that hydrogen-bonding complexes were formed between receptors and anions. The color was changed from colorless to yellow upon addition of F^－ and AcO^－ to the solution of the three receptors, which was perceptible to recognition by naked eye. However, no obvious color changes were observed on addition of the other anions. The results indicated that a 1∶1 stoichiometry complex was formed between compounds and anions, while ¹H NMR titrations and solvate effect confirmed hydrogen-bonding interaction between the receptors and anions.

Key words: aroylthiourea, anion recognition, hydrogen-bonding interaction