A dual-site controlled fluorescent sensor for the facile and fast detection of H2O in D2O by two turn-on emission signals

Abstract

Currently, fluorescent sensors for the detection of H₂O in D₂O are still quite rare. Herein, we present a dual-site controlled fluorescent sensor (CF-D₂O) for the detection of H₂O in D₂O. As the H₂O content in D₂O decreases (namely, the purity of D₂O increases), sensor CF-D₂O provides two turn-on fluorescence signals. The response mechanism of sensor CF-D₂O to H₂O is based on the deprotonation of the two hydroxyl groups, as well as the FRET process between coumarin and xanthene units.