An efficiently colorimetric and fluorescent probe of fluoride, acetate and phosphate ions based on a novel trinuclear Eu-complex

• An effective fluorescent probe for anions based on trinuclear Eu-complex has been prepared.
• The Eu-complex can be used as an “on–off” type fluorescent probe for F−, AcO− and H2PO4− ions.
• Fluoride can be conveniently detected through color changes by naked eye.
• Fluoride of toothpaste in DMSO can be detected qualitatively by this receptor.

An efficiently colorimetric and fluorescent probe Eu3(TTA)9trisphen for F−, AcO− and H2PO4− ions based on trisphen as ligand has been successfully designed, synthesized and characterized. Experiments showed that receptor Eu3(TTA)9trisphen could selectively recognize F−, AcO− and H2PO4− in DMSO and even in competitive hydrogen-bonding mixture solutions. The ability of recognition and the bond between trisphen and anions were determined by naked eye, UV–vis and fluorescence analyses. The detection of limit (LOD) for F−, AcO− and H2PO4− ions in DMSO was determined through absorbance and emission spectra. Moreover, the integration intensity ratio of the 5D0 → 7F2 transition to 5D0 → 7F1 transition (I2/I1) of Eu3+ and 1H NMR experiments were carried out to explore the insight of interaction between receptor and anions. In particular, the fluoride of toothpaste in DMSO can be detected qualitatively by the receprtor Eu3(TTA)9trisphen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of anion probe based on trinuclear Eu-complex.

A novel long fluorescent lifetime probe Eu3(TTA)9trisphen for F−, AcO− and H2PO4− ions based on trinuclear Eu-complex has been successfully designed, synthesized and characterized. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of anion probe based on trinuclear Eu-complex.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide