Abstract: The present invention relates to 8-hydroxyjulolidine, its analogous compounds and their preparation methods. The invented method comprises one single step of cyclization reactions of 3-aminophenol or 1,3-dihydroxyaniline with 1,3-dihalopropane or its analogs, to prepare the desired julolidines with improved yields.

Abstract: An 8-hydroxyjulolidine compound, having the formula: (wherein R1 and R2 represent independently H, halogen, hydroxyl or alkyl) is prepared by the following chemical reaction: wherein X and Y represent independently halogen, acyloxyl, sulfonyloxyl or phosphoryloxyl and R1 and R2 are as defined above.

Abstract: Sensors (20, 50, 70) for use in detecting the presence of sugars and other analytes (target molecules). The sensor is composed of a metal complex that binds to the target molecule and releases a proton or includes an exchangable ligand which is exchanged for the target molecule during the binding interaction between the metal complex and the target molecule. The result of the binding interaction is the release of a proton, hydroxide ion or ligand species generated during the ligand exchange. Measurement of the release of proton, hydroxide ion or other ligand species from the sensor (20, 50, 70) provides an indirect indication of target molecule concentration. The metal complexes may be attached to support structures (10, 12) to provide both anchoring and positioning of the metal ions to increase selectivity of sugar/metal complex interactions. Detection systems in which pH is used as an indication of proton or hydroxide release are disclosed, as are detection systems in which Cl.sup.- release is used.