Advances in fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for anionic species

Abstract In this review we cover recent developments in fluorescent and colorimetric anion sensors. These systems employ a range of different non-covalent interactions including hydrogen- and halogen-bonding, Lewis acidic boron-based sensors, metal-based sensors, charged systems, compounds that use anion-pi interactions to stabilise complexes, photoswitchable systems, the use of excimers and molecular logic gates in sensing. Recent developments in anion-selective chemodosimeters are also surveyed.