Ratiometric fluorescence chemodosimeters for fluoride anion based on pyrene excimer/monomer transformation

Abstract

Two pyrene dimers containing an –O–Si–Si–O− or −O–Si–O− linkage have been designed which exhibit ratiometric excimer/monomer emission upon fluoride anion induced Si–O bond cleavage. Incorporation of the probe into water soluble polymeric nanoparticles enhances its intracellular uptake and displays ratiometric fluorescent sensing for F⁻ in living cells.