Ratiometric fluorescence chemodosimeters for fluoride anion based on pyrene excimer/monomer transformation

Two pyrene dimers containing an -O-Si-Si-O- or -O-Si-O- linkage have been designed which exhibit ratiometric excimer/monomer emission upon fluoride anion induced Si-O bond cleavage. Incorporation of the probe into water soluble polymeric nanoparticles enhances its intracellular uptake and displays ratiometric fluorescent sensing for F- in living cells.