Application of binaphthyl-based amphiphiles Determination of benzo[a]pyrene by fluorescence energy transfer

The determination of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) based on fluorescence energy transfer in assemblies of fluorescent amphiphiles is reported. Three systems of binaphthyl amphiphiles have been tested as energy donors: a cationic amphiphile with alkylammonium head group, an anionic amphiphile with a malonate head group and a mixture of cationic and anionic derivatives. The high efficiency of energy transfer accompanied by sensitized fluorescence of B[a]P is discussed in terms of Förster energy transfer and exciton migration, which are considered to be dominant processes in dense fluorophore arrays of vesicular assemblies. A convenient and very sensitive method for the determination of benzo[a]pyrene down to 50 ng dm−3 is proposed. The usefulness of the method was evaluated by determination of B[a]P in particulate matter and in B[a]P-spiked drinking water.