Selective Saccharide Recognition Using Modular Diboronic Acid Fluorescent Sensors

Modular diboronic acid receptors R-1 and S-1 were synthesized and found to be selective fluorescent chemosensors for saccharides. The fluorescence intensity of R-1 and S-1 increased on addition of saccharides due to the formation of intramolecular 1:1 cyclic complexes. In general, R-1 has higher binding constants and produces a higher fluorescent response with saccharides than S-1.