Rapid detection of fluoride in potable water using a novel fluorogenic compound 7-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-3-cyano-4-methylcoumarin

Abstract

The study present the synthesis of a new fluoride sensor 7-O-tertbutyldiphenylsilyl-3-cyano-4-methylcoumarin (Si-CHMC) that imparts a blue fluorescence to an aqueous solution in the presence of fluoride ions. Si-CHMC has excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards fluoride. The results further indicate that fluoride concentrations as low as 0.01M can be accurately detected within almost instantly as the response time is within a second. Fluoride testing with Si-CHMC is simple and relatively rapid compared to the conventional methods that require skilled personnel. Hence, the method presented herein can be applied and is particularly useful for monitoring the quality of portable water among communities.