Colorimetoric Recognition based on Functional Phenolphthalein Derivatives

Several types of host molecules based on a phenolphthalein (one of the most popular pH indicators) and two crown ethers were prepared for use in colorimetric recognition of linear diamines, triamines, sequence of non-protected dipeptides, and chirality of alanine derivatives in methanol or water solution. Especially, host 30 with a dimethylamino group showed excellent selectivity for spermidine and spermine among other biogenic amines and high sensitivity.