Characterization and use of (E)-2-[(6-methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl]phenol as an anion sensor and a DNA-binding agent

We report the spectroscopic characterization, DNA binding, and anion sensor properties, of a Schiff base, that is, (E)-2-[(6-methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl]phenol from the reaction of 2-hydroxyben-zaldehyde with 2-amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole. Colorimetric measurements revealed that the title compound was sensitive to F-, AcO-, CN-, and OH- anions. Fluorescence measurements demonstrated that the title compound can be used to detect CN-. The interactions between the receptor and anions were confirmed using H-1 NMR titration method. The UV-Vis spectroscopy studies of the interactions between the compound and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) revealed intercalative binding of CT-DNA to the title compound. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.