New 1,8-naphthalimide-based colorimetric fluorescent probe for specific detection of hydrazine and its multi-functional applications

Detection of hydrazine is particularly important given its toxicity and extensive application in various industries. In the present paper, a colorimetric fluorescent probe NI-CIN based on 1,8-naphthalimide derivative was rationally designed and simply synthesized for specific detection of hydrazine based on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. Upon the addition of hydrazine, a significant fluorescence enhancement at 556 nm could be observed within 4 min with a distinct color change from colorless to bright yellow, readily observed by naked eye. Except for HRMS and 1H NMR, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also performed to support the sensing mechanism. In addition, eco-friendly paper test strips were easily prepared by NI-CIN for selective and real-time detection of hydrazine under aqueous and vapor phases. Furthermore, NI-CIN shows many potential applications for detecting hydrazine in real water and soil samples along with bio-imaging in HepG-2 cells and zebrafish.

Automated summary

In this study, a colorimetric fluorescent probe NI-CIN based on the intramolecular charge transfer mechanism was designed to specifically detect hydrazine. NI-CIN showed significant fluorescence enhancement and color change upon the addition of hydrazine, which could be observed by naked eye. Eco-friendly paper test strips were easily prepared using NI-CIN for real-time detection of hydrazine. NI-CIN also demonstrated potential applications in detecting hydrazine in water and soil samples, as well as bio-imaging in HepG-2 cells and zebrafish.