Light-on fluorescent chemosensor for fluoride in aqueous solution based on ternary complex of Zr-EDTA and 4′-N,N-dimethylamino-6-methyl-3-hydroxylflavone

A ternary complex, composed of Zr-EDTA and 4′-N,N-dimethylamino-6-methyl-3-hydroxylflavone (L), was developed as an efficient fluoride chemosensor in aqueous solution with a good selectivity and sensitivity. Fluorescence intensity of the solution of Zr-EDTA-L was increased significantly upon addition of fluoride anion, which was interpreted by the ligand exchange between L coordinated to Zr-EDTA and fluoride anion.