Some acyl-thiourea derivatives containing isatin group were synthesized and their interactions with anions were investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy and 1H NMR titrations in DMSO and DMSO-d6, respectively. These compounds have a same molecular framework, functionalising with different groups lead to different anion binding strength of these receptors. Receptor 1 showed a higher binding affinity for AcO− than for F−, due to ...