Fluorescent sensor based on dimesitylborylthiophene derivative for probing fluoride and cyanide

A new D-π-A dimesitylboron derivative with terminal phenothiazine bridged by fluorenevinyl (PFTB) has been synthesized. It was found that PFTB could selectively recognize fluoride and cyanide anions by naked eyes. Upon addition of F⁻ and CN⁻, the color of the solution of PFTB in DCM turned to yellowish-green from yellow and strong green emitting was observed under UV light, while the emission of PFTB in DCM was weak. Moreover, the presence of 10 equiv of tetrabutylammonium salts of other anions, such as Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, AcO⁻, HSO₄⁻, H₂PO₄⁻, could not lead to obvious changes of the UV–vis absorption and the fluorescent emission spectra of PFTB. The detection limits of PFTB towards F⁻ and CN⁻ were 7.52×10⁻⁸ mol/L and 6.12×10⁻⁸ mol/L in DCM, respectively. Therefore, the D-π-A type triarylborane derivatives can be used as ‘turn on’ fluorescent sensors for detecting F⁻ and CN⁻.