HCHO-reactive molecule with dual-emission-enhancement property for quantitatively detecting HCHO in near 100% water solution

A dual-model fluorescent probe for formaldehyde has been developed. With excitation at 365 and 400nm respectively and upon addition of formaldehyde, the fluorescent probe displays off-on fluorescence responses at 415 and 505nm. Formaldehyde can be detected quantitatively in the concentration range from 0 to 2.7×10−2M and the detection limit on fluorescence response of the probe can be as low as 6μM. The proposed method was successfully employed for preliminary application in several commercially available foods. •A highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for formaldehyde was synthesized and show dual-emission property.•The chemosensor can quantitatively detect formaldehyde in the concentration range from 0 to 2.7×10−2M in aqueous solution.•The detection limit on fluorescence response of the probe can be as low as 6μM. A dual-model fluorescent probe for formaldehyde has been developed. With excitation at 365 and 400nm respectively and upon addition of formaldehyde, the fluorescent probe displays off-on fluorescence responses at 415 and 505nm. Formaldehyde can be detected quantitatively in the concentration range from 0 to 2.7×10−2M and the detection limit on fluorescence response of the probe can be as low as 6μM. The proposed method was successfully employed for preliminary application in several commercially available foods.