A chemodosimer based on a core-substituted naphthalene diimide for fluoride ion detection

We have demonstrated the use of a core-substituted naphthalene diimide (c-NDI) bearing trimethylsilylacetylene moieties which is capable of being utilised as a colorimetric and fluorescent chemodosimeter for anions. The detection of anions was carried out by desilylation of the detector. A significant change, visible to the naked eye, was observed only upon addition of F− ions; addition of other ions, such as Cl−, Br−, HSO 4 - , AcO− and H 2 PO 4 - resulted in no distinct changes. Modifications of the electronic properties of the c-NDI upon addition of fluoride ions were characterised by means of UV–vis, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopy.