A selective chromofluorogenic chemodosimeter for fluoride ions based on distyrylbenzenes derivatives containing dual Si–O groups

A new chemodosimeter for fluoride ions based on F − triggered dual Si–O bond cleavage of distyrylbenzenes derivatives was developed for the first time. Upon the addition of F − ions, the chemodosimeter (7) displayed apparent color changes from colorless to faint yellow, with a dramatic red‐shift in the emission wavelength (~100 nm), and higher selectivity for fluoride over other common anions. With the aid of fluorescence measurements, the limit of detection could be as low as 89.8 nm. Using a ‘dipstick’ approach, chemodosimeter (7) might serve as a prototype device for fluorescent detecting F − without the need for any additional equipment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.