The invention relates to oxalamide derivs. of anthraquinone with general formula I [R1 is C1-6 alkyl, Ph, benzyl, or p-hydroxybenzyl; R2 is H, C1-6 alkyl, benzyl, or M+; X = (CH2)1-9] and their optical isomers and their mixts., including their prepn. and use for binding fluoride anions in soln. and gel, causing a change in color of the soln. and change in color and morphol. of the gel (phase change from gel to liq.). Thus, I (R1 is L-leucine side chain; R2 is Me; X is CH2) was prepd. by reactions of oxalyl chloride, L-leucine Me ester hydrochloride, N-benzylethylendiamine, and ethyl-N-1-anthraquinone oxamate and shown to bind fluoride anion, but not chloride, bromide, or iodide anions
