Two new neutral receptors (1 and 2) containing thiourea and amide groups were synthesized by simple steps in good yields. The binding properties of 1 and 2 with anions were examined by UVvis, fluorescence, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Receptor 1 had a better AcO: H2PO4 selectivity in comparison with that for receptor 2. The association constants of 1·AcO, 2·AcO, and 2·H2PO4 were higher in comparison with those of other anions (Cl, Br, I, p-NO2PhO, and p-NO2PhOPO32). In particular, a clear color change was observed, from pale yellow to red-brown, upon addition of AcO to the solution of 1 in DMSO. The UVvis and fluorescence data indicate that a 1:1 stoichiometry complex is formed between compound 1 or 2 and anions through hydrogen-bonding interactions.Key words: neutral receptors, anion recognition, synthesis, hydrogen bonds.