A novel colorimetric and fluorometric fluoride ion probe based on photoinduced electron transfer signaling mechanism

Abstract A novel fluorescent probe based 1,8-naphthalimide (NFH) for fluoride naked-eye recognition was synthesized, and it displayed high selectivity and sensitivity. The color and fluorescence changes of probe NFH can be observed only in presence of F − among various anions (F − , Cl − , Br − , I − , AcO − , NO 3 − , HSO 4 − , H 2 PO 4 − ). Furthermore, 1 H NMR titration indicated the deprotonation of acylhydrazone ( NH C O) which was induced by the interaction of F − ions and NH moieties. Theoretical calculation based on DFT explored the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) signaling mechanism of NFH toward F − which explained the striking fluorescent quenching of probe NFH after being treated with F − ions.