Colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for selective sensing of fluoride and cyanide ions: tuning selectivity in proton transfer and C–Si bond cleavage

A simple innovative anthraimidazolyldione ( LHSi ) based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter was designed and synthesized for fluoride and cyanide ion sensing. Upon reaction with the F − and CN − anions in THF solution, probe LHSi shows dramatic color changes from light yellow to red and remarkable ratiometric fluorescence enhancement signals. These properties are mechanistically ascribed to a fluoride/cyanide-triggered deprotonation and C–Si bond cleavage that resulted in a green to red fluorescence.