•Fluorescent color of the molecular sensor changed by recognition of malonic acid.•The length between malonic acid and succinic acid was distinguished by color change.•Methylmalonic acid in urine was successfully detected with the naked-eye.A novel molecular sensor using anthracene bearing two amidopyridines emits blue fluorescence in the presence of succinic acid and green fluorescence in the presence of malonic acid, and its fluorescence intensity increased upon binding. Using this molecular sensor, we succeeded in detecting the difference of one carbon atom between succinic acid and malonic acid with the naked-eye. Furthermore, when methylmalonic acid was dissolved in urine to provide a model system for methylmalonic aciduria, the fluorescence changed from blue to green, and methylmalonic acid was successfully detected with the naked-eye.Download high-res image (169KB)Download full-size image

Cis- and trans-dipyridylcalix[4]pyrroles were synthesized and cis-dipyridylcalix[4]pyrrole formed a supramolecular cage upon dimerization and coordination with Pd(II). The cage molecule recognised suberate selectively by hydrogen bonding to the two calix[4]pyrroles.

Tris(4-carboxylphenyl)-mono(N-methylimidazolyl)-substituted Zn porphyrin was synthesized as a precursor for a water-soluble supramolecular porphyrin dimer. The dimer formation was performed in a NaHCO3 aq solution (pH 8.4) and phosphate buffer solutions (pH 7.4–9.0). The split Soret bands of Zn porphyrin observed in the absorption spectra clearly showed self-organization to a special-pair type slipped cofacial dimer via metal coordination of imidazole even in water.Tris(4-carboxylphenyl)-mono(N-methylimidazolyl)-substituted Zn porphyrin was synthesized and dissolved in a NaHCO3 aq solution (pH 8.4) and phosphate buffer solutions (pH 7.4–9.0). The split Soret bands of Zn porphyrin observed in the absorption spectra clearly showed self-organization to a special-pair type slipped cofacial dimer even in water.