In pursuit for new chromoionophores, it is important to know their functioning, which depends primarily on theirstructure. The structures of chromoionophores were discussed, highlighting the elements that have a significant impact on their operation, i.e. the binding and visualization of metal ion binding. Chromoionophores are composed of a binding and signaling group. Valinomycin, salinomycin and synthetic crown ethers are presented as ionophores. Using the anthraquinone as an example, the function of the chromophore system was defined and discussed. It has been shown that an element connecting the main components of the chromoionophore may also play an important role. The action of chromoionophores is directly related to their acid-base properties, which can influence both ion binding and the visualization of interactions. The examples of aminoanthraquinone derivatives show the influence of the number of groups, position in the anthraquinone ring and the order of amino groups on the basicity of chromoionophores