[5]Helicene-Scaffold Fluorescence Sensing for Selective Detection of Au3+ Ions and Gold Nanoparticle

A new quenching fluorescence sensor (MDP) with high productivity was easily synthesized from a [5]helicene anhydride derivative and propargyl bromide. This MDP sensor has significant photophysical properties, including high fluorescence emission and a large Stokes shift, and it exhibits selectivity and an excellent detection response in distinguishing Au3+ ions from interfering metal ions in aqueous solution. The limit of detection of the sensor were determined to be 0.16 mu mol L-1 or 32.0 ppb. Stoichiometric binding between the MDP and Au3+ ions was found to occur at a 1:2 ratio. Additionally, the MDP sensor shows an ability to detect gold ions in real water samples and recognize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which invites its further application in biological and environmental systems.

Automated summary

A new highly productive quenching fluorescence sensor MDP was synthesized from a helicene anhydride derivative and propargyl bromide, showing significant photophysical properties and selectivity in distinguishing Au3+ ions. It has a detection limit of 0.16 mu mol L-1 or 32.0 ppb and can detect gold ions in real water samples, suggesting potential applications in biological and environmental systems.