A novel colorimetric and fluorometric fluoride ion probe based on photoinduced electron transfer signaling mechanism

A novel fluorescent probe based 1,8-naphthalimide (NFH) for fluoride naked-eye recognition was synthesized, and it displayed high selectivity and sensitivity. The color and fluorescence changes of probe NFH can be observed only in presence of F-among various anions (F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, AcO-, NO3-, HSO4-, H2PO4-). Furthermore, H-1 NMR titration indicated the deprotonation of acylhydrazone (-NH-C=O) which was induced by the interaction of F-ions and NH moieties. Theoretical calculation based on DFT explored the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) signaling mechanism of NFH toward F-which explained the striking fluorescent quenching of probe NFH after being treated with F-ions. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.