Fluorescent Light-Up Detection of Amine Vapors Based on Aggregation-Induced Emission

Amines play vital roles in agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food industries, but volatile amine vapors are serious threats to human health. Previously reported fluorescent sensors for amine vapor detection usually suffer from aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect and need to be dispersed in solution or matrix materials. Herein, based on the fluorogen of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (HPQ) with aggregation-induced emission (ME) properties, we have developed a fluorescent sensor HPQ-Ac for light-up detection of amine vapors through aminolysis reaction. The portable HPQ-Ac sensor can be easily prepared by directly depositing on filter paper, and it can only light up via exposure to amine vapors among various volatile organic compounds. Taking advantage of its portability and high sensitivity for amine vapors, HPQ-Ac sensor can also be used for food spoilage detection and fluorescent invisible ink.