Colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for selective sensing of fluoride and cyanide ions: tuning selectivity in proton transfer and C-Si bond cleavage

A simple innovative anthraimidazolyldione (LHSi) based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter was designed and synthesized for fluoride and cyanide ion sensing. Upon reaction with the F- and CN- anions in THF solution, probe LHSi shows dramatic color changes from light yellow to red and remarkable ratiometric fluorescence enhancement signals. These properties are mechanistically ascribed to a fluoride/cyanide-triggered deprotonation and C-Si bond cleavage that resulted in a green to red fluorescence.