Iridium complex bearing urea groups as a phosphorescent chemosensor for chiral anion recognition

Abstract Luminescent chemosensors for chiral molecules have drawn significant attention. In this study, a new iridium complex 1 bearing two urea groups and ethyl naphthalene groups was synthesized as a phosphorescent chemosensor for chiral anion recognition. Addition of t -Boc amino acids induced phosphorescence enhancement with the maximum emission at 560 nm. As large as K D /K L value of 5.0 was observed for iridium complex 1 with phenylgylcine. Two urea groups provide a preorganized binding site for the carboxylates, whereas two ethyl naphthalenes act as chiral barriers.