Novel supramolecular sensors constructed from pillar[5]arene and a naphthalimide for efficient detection of Fe3+ and F− in water†
Abstract
As we all know, due to the high hydration enthalpy of F−, the detection of F− in water is a very difficult task. Herein, we report a novel water soluble self-assembled supramolecular sensor P5B1 for fluorescence detection of Fe3+ and F− in water. The supramolecular sensor P5B1 was constructed by the self-assembly of water soluble cationic pillar[5]arene (P5) and a novel N-(pyridinium-4-yl)-naphthalimide derivative (B1). P5B1 could selectively detect Fe3+; more interestingly, by adding Fe3+ to P5B1, competitive coordination was introduced into P5B1 to form a new Fe3+ complexed supramolecular sensor, P5B1Fe. P5B1Fe showed high selectivity and sensitivity for F− in water solution. Moreover, P5B1-based silica gel plates and test strips for selective detection Fe3+ and F− were prepared, which could not only act as Fe3+ and F− test kits, but also as Fe3+ and F− controlled fluorescent display materials.