Chemodosimeter approach: Selective detection of fluoride ion using a diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative

A diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative was synthesized and designed with two trimethylsilyl groups to allow for sensitive, selective and fast recognition of fluoride ions by using a chemodosimeter approach. The probe exhibited a blue shift in the absorption and emission spectra in the presence of fluoride ions due to deprotection of the electron donating trimethylsilyl groups in the probe. UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, density functional theory and cyclic voltammetry studies indicated fluoride triggered cleavage of the Si-C bond resulting in the blue spectral shift. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.