A novel highly specific colorimetric fluorescent probe for the detection of nitrite in aqueous solution

Developing an effective method for the detection of nitrite (NO2-) ions in the natural environment especially in environmental waters and soils is very necessary, since they will cause serious damage to human health once excess NO2- ions enters the human body. Therefore, a new colorimetric fluorescent probe NB-NO2- for determining NO2- ions was designed, which possesses good water-solubility and satisfactory selectivity over other common ions for NO2- ions. The addition of NO2- ions changed the color of solution from blue to colorless seen by the naked-eye. Furthermore, through test and calculation, the detection limit of the probe NB-NO2- is 129 nM. Based on the earlier excellent characteristics, the probe NB-NO2- was successfully used for monitoring NO2- ions in environmental waters and soils.

Automated summary

In order to detect the threat of nitrite ions in the environment to human health, a new water-soluble colorimetric fluorescent probe NB-NO2- was designed to selectively detect NO2- ions, with a detection limit of 129 nM.