Turn-on fluorescence sensor for selective detection of fluoride ion and its molecular logic gates behavior

Abstract

Loutonin based emissive probe (L) for the dual sensing of fluoride (F−) and bisulphate (HSO4−) anions in aqueous media. The development is based on reports that the interaction between fluoride and loutonin based fluorescent probe exhibits rapid and remarkable color changes in both colorimetrically as well as fluorimetrically. More amusingly, on the introduction of bisulphate ion into the medium containing loutonin fluoride ion complex (L-F−) which shows both the color and fluorescence has been recovered. The limit of detection for fluoride ions by the probe was determined as 8.62 × 10−7 M by fluorescence titrations. Further the probe L can be employed for the removal of fluoride ions. The need for a dual anion detection system with such an outstanding reversible and reproducible process characteristics led us to consider loutonin as a feasible nominee for the construction of molecular keypad lock and molecular logic circuits. The fluorescence change of loutonin after appendage of fluoride ions is mainly due to the hydrogen bonding interaction. Further, the probe could be potentially incorporated into the test strips and silica gel plates, with better selectivity for fluoride and bisulphate anions in aqueous media.