A new series of receptors were designed and synthesized, and their interactions with anions, such as F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, CH3COO-, HSO4-, and NO3-, in DMSO solvent were investigated using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that hydrogen-bonding complexes were formed between the receptors and the tested anions, such as CH3COO- and F-. It was also found that the selectivity of the receptors for anions could be efficiently tuned by changing the place of the substituent group at the N-phenyl moiety. The recognition mechanism and binding mode are discussed. These findings were expected to be of significance for designing and developing a novel, highly selective receptor for the acetate anion in a strong polar solvent.