Talk:Molecular sensor

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Definition[edit]

The definition of "molecular sensor" is rather problematic. For example, as it is right now it includes pH indicators, but it doesn't include any moecules that detect e.g. temperature, polarity, or magnetic fields. Of course, the problem is that if you open up the definition too far, you then include parctically any functional molecular system you can think of!

I think it is correct to limit the definition to the sensing of chemical species, but in that case perhaps the article title should be "Molecular chemical sensors"? Certainly some discussion of the term is necessary. It will also be necessary to give at least a few sentences to trivial examples such as the aforementioned pH indicators before moving on the more interesting stuff.

I don't want to look like I'm just going around criticizing articles. What's here is solid. I'm just thinking on how to make it more so. And I will come back and put my keyboard where my mouth is when I get some time to invest in it...

• TheBendster (talk) 23 September 2007, 14:01 (UTC)

the phrase molecular sensor occurs regularly in the so therefore reason enough to devote an article to it. Your suggestion Molecular chemical sensors score 4 hits on google compare to 20,000 hits for molecular sensor. The lead specifies clearly that it is a chemical species that is detected and not something like temperature. Perhaps the phrase analyte should be replaced by something else. Please note that the basic article layout relies heavily on reference 2 given in the article. V8rik 16:45, 23 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

- Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest that there shouldn't be a "molecular sensor" article! I also didn't want to include non-chemical stimuli, as you will see if you re-read my message. My point is simply that there are issues in defining the term and I think that it warrants discussion, both here and in the article itself. However, I am getting your message, particularly after your comments on the molecular logic gate article. I'm not interested in a fight, so I'll leave you in peace! • TheBendster (talk) 24 September 2007, 12:53 (UTC)

Thanks for your reply, I am always open to suggestions for article name changes. The original name for this page was Supramolecular analytical chemistry! V8rik 21:20, 24 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]