We decided to synthesise a macrocyclic system containing an ionophore able to form strong and selective ion complexes. 1,10-Anthraquinone was used as the signalling part of the supramolecule. In our previous paper we showed that a molecule consisting of a crown ether and anthraquinone is very sensitive towards alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. 5 Here the anthraquinone moiety acts as both chromophore and redox active switcher. We have now synthesised a ...
