Ratiometric spectroscopic response of pH sensitive probes: An alternative strategy for multidimensional sensing

An alternative strategy, hybridizing the proper choice of a pH sensitive fluorophore and the ratiometric technique of plot of the spectral parameters of the probe, has been introduced for the generation of new molecular sensors for multidimensional sensing purposes. Selectivity factor is found to depend on the dissociation constant of the conjugate acid of the anion to be detected. The technique can be exploited for the sensing of cyanide ion, accurate to the micromolar level of concentration.