A molecule that can distinguish between structurally similar carboxylic acids and organoboronic acids – a significant analytical challenge – has been made by US researchers. The molecule is a cruciform (cross-shaped).
Identifying compounds with closely related structures like this is important to identify counterfeited, decomposed or compromised pharmaceuticals, food additives and alcoholic beverages. The compound can distinguish between 12 carboxylic acids and nine organoboronic acids. It works by binding to the compounds and giving a different fluorescent signal for each one.
Reference:
Identification of Carboxylic and Organoboronic Acids and Phenols with a Single Benzobisoxazole Fluorophore
J Lim, D Nam and O S Miljanic, Chem. Sci., 2011
DOI: 10.1039/c1sc00610j
