Chapter 10: Fluorescent Chemosensors for Phosphates

This chapter outlines the development of small-molecule fluorescent chemosensors for phosphate species. Phosphate species are ubiquitous in nature, play diverse roles in biological systems, and display extensive variation in the functionality attached to the phosphate group. These molecules have a diffuse negative charge, are highly solvated, and are all linked by a common phosphate group. Together, these features present a significant challenge for the development of species-selective chemosensors that function in aqueous media with appropriate binding affinities. This challenge has been tackled via a variety of approaches, including chemosensors that bind the phosphate group via charge–charge, hydrogen-bonding, and metal–cation interactions. Key examples of each of these interaction types, varied approaches to chemosensor design, and fluorescence response mechanisms are highlighted.