Fluorometric hypochlorite sensing by 2-acetylnaphthol phosphinothioate and its application to hypochlorite analysis in industrial effluent

Abstract

In this study, we report the hypochlorite-selective signaling behavior of 2-acetyl-6-naphthol phosphinothioate (Hyp-1). Probe Hyp-1 demonstrated marked turn-on fluorescence signaling behavior exclusively toward hypochlorite in a phosphate-buffered saline solution with the pH value of 7.4. The signaling was triggered by the hypochlorite-induced hydrolysis of the phosphinothioate with the concomitant chlorination of the generated 2-acetyl-6-naphthol fluorophore. Interference from other metal ions and anions was not observed during the signaling process. A clear signal was produced within 1 min with a detection limit of 2.70 × 10–8 M (1.39 ppb). To demonstrate its practical utility, the probe was successfully used to detect the presence of hypochlorite in simulated pulp/paper mill and textile industrial effluents.