Optical and electrochemical recognition studies of anions via novel benzothiazole azo-derivative

Herein, a novel supramolecular probe 4-(2-phenyldiazenyl)-2-(benzothiazol-2-yl) phenol (1) has been described, where assimilation of benzothiazole unit with azo functionality led to innovative electrochemical and optical response towards anions. The successful formation was confirmed using (HNMR)-H-1, C-13 NMR and HRMS. This rationally planned receptor 1 exhibits multi recognition modes in showing selectivity towards AcO- and F- anions by both visual and absorption processes; while Iis sensed selectively via redox mechanism. The multi recognition mechanisms were thoroughly documented by DFT giving an insight picture of the mode of interaction of the anions in HOMO-LUMO energy levels ultimately affecting the activity of the designed benzothiazole moiety. Optimization of various parameters related to redox response was also analyzed by Taguchi method to minimize the effect of uncontrollable variables. Lower detection limit for the anions by different response mechanisms in a single moiety enhances the future possibility of an economic and time saving multichannel chemosensor. (c) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).