A chemodosimeter for the detection of hydroxide using an anthraquinone-based receptor: Photophysical properties and X-ray crystallography

•1,8-oxybis(ethyleneethoxyethyleneethoxy)-9-(phenylazo)-10-anthraquinone (1) acts as a chemo-dosimeter for detection tetrabutylammonium hydroxide through UV-Vis and emission.•Keto-enol tautomerization is responsible for the emission process.•1,8-oxybis(ethyleneethoxyethyleneethoxy)-9-(2-methylenenitrile)-10-anthraquinone is one of the compound isolated when 1 reacts with TBA-OH and it is structurally solved.