Turn-on fluorescent probe designed for fluoride ion sensing in aqueous media

Abstract

A NBD-based probe for selective detection of fluoride ion in aqueous media is reported. The probe was designed by applying rules for water solubility and membrane permeability. The probe functions through the fluoride mediated cascade reaction which was studied by 1H NMR, HPLC analysis, UV–vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The sensing process was marked by a colour change from colourless to yellow, and an intriguing 120-fold turn-on green fluorescence. Application of the probe for selective detection of fluoride was demonstrated by live-cell imaging.