A Colorimetric ATP Sensor Based on 1,3,5-Triarylpent-2-en-1,5-diones

A new family of chromogenic ionophores for anion sensing has been developed with 1,3,5-triarylpent-2-en-1,5-diones. These species form yellow solutions that undergo a color change to magenta in the presence of certain inorganic ions or nucleotides, depending on the derivative. The reaction with ATP is particulary remarkable and therefore these compounds are chromogenic reagents for "naked-eye" sensing of ATP. The picture shows the color changes induced on one derivative in the presence of GMP, ADP, and ATP (from left to right).