A Vibration‐Induced Emission‐Based Ratiometric Sensor for Detection of Anions in Aqueous Solution

Abstract Sensors that respond to anions via vibration‐induced emission (VIE) have recently emerged as effective tools for discrimination between closely related carboxylate species in non‐competitive, organic solvents. However, the utility of this sensing mechanism has not yet been demonstrated for anions in aqueous media. Here, we prepared two sensors, monoZnDPA‐DPAC and ZnDPA‐DPAC , with either one or two anion‐binding motifs. These systems are capable of binding to anions in water. Dual emission via VIE is maintained in solvent mixtures of up to 70% water. ZnDPA‐DPAC provides a unique, ratiometric response to citrate and phosphate, which was used for the accurate quantification of aqueous solutions of these anions.