Synthesis of a pyridyl-appended calix[4]arene and its application to the modification of silver nanoparticles as an Fe3+ colorimetric sensor

Abstract

A novel pyridyl-appended calix[4]arene, which can selectively bind Fe³⁺, was synthesized via click chemistry. The calix[4]arene was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles with a distinct colorimetric response to Fe³⁺, due to the complexation of Fe³⁺ ion with calix[4]arene inducing aggregation of Ag NPs.