Two ultrafast responsive isolongifolanone based fluorescent probes for reversible and sensitive visualization of toxic BF3 in solution and in gas phase

In this study, two novel fluorescent probes MD1 and MD2 were designed and synthesized to detect BF3 based on natural and renewable isolongifolanone. Upon reaction with BF3, the probe MD1 exhibited a significant turn-on fluorescence enhancement. Different from MD1, the probe MD2 displayed an observable ratiometric fluorescence response to the presence of BF3. The sensing mechanisms were carefully verified by H-1 NMR, F-19 NMR, HRMS and density functional theory (DFT) studies. Meanwhile, two different molecular logic gates were rationally constructed based on the fluorescent sensing properties of the probes. Furthermore, these probes were successfully employed to prepare two test paper-based portable detecting devices for monitoring BF3 in the gas phase. All the studies and facts demonstrated that these smart probes have great potential in industrial applications.