Highly efficient and selective probes based on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with trimethylsilylethynyl groups for fluoride anion detection

Two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons bearing trimethylsilylethynyl groups were designed and synthesized as new colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probes for fluoride anion. Both probes exhibit high specific selectivity and sensitivity for F^- compared to other anions. When F^- is added to the solution of the probe, the trimethylsilyl substituents can be removed immediately, and the color of the solution changes from yellow to colorless under ambient light. Moreover, test papers based on the probes are prepared, which could be applied to detect F^- in organic phase.