A novel naphthalimide-based probe for highly sensitive and selective recognition of fluoride ion

Abstract

Considering the excessive ingestion of fluoride ion (F−) may result in many diseases, herein, by introducing 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde azine framework to 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives, we have developed a unique colorimetric/fluorometric probe (NYL) for detection of fluoride. The response of NYL toward F− is an integration of ESIPT and PET processes with a large stokes’ shift (173 nm). The striking color change from yellow to light-purple and fluorescent quenching of probe NYL can be observed only in the presence of fluoride ions. Furthermore, 1H NMR titration indicates the probe undergoes the deprotonation of hydroxyl through the Hydrogen-bond interaction between phenolic OH and F− ions.