Colorimetric and fluorometric turn-on sensor for selective detection of fluoride ions: Sol-gel transition studies and theoretical insights

Abstract

A new organic receptor R1 based on a naphthyl unit covalently linked to a long alkyl chain has been designed, synthesized and characterized by standard spectroscopic techniques. The colorimetric response of receptor R1 from colorless to a pale yellow color and blue fluorescence emission in the presence of F- ions revealed its selective sensing ability in the solution phase. UV-Vis titration, fluorescence titration and 1H NMR titration studies confirmed the formation of the R1-F- complex. Receptor R1 formed a stable gel in DMSO and was confirmed through the standard heating-and-cooling method. Addition of F- ions resulted in disruption of the gel forming a solution that exhibited blue fluorescence emission. The binding constant of the R1-F- complex was found to be of the order of 5.9 × 105 M-1. DFT studies revealed the formation of the receptor-anion complex agreeing well with the experimental results. The detection limit was calculated and found to be 0.8 ppm, implying the potential for application of receptor R1 in environmental applications. © 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.