Naked-eye and fluorescence detection of basic pH and F− with a 1,8-naphthalimide-based multifunctional probeElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5ra00596e

Based on 1,8-naphthalimide, a novel multifunctional colorimetric and fluorescent probe was designed and synthesized for basic pH and F − naked-eye and fluorescence recognition with high sensitivity and excellent selectivity. The probe can detect F − quantitatively in a concentration range of 0-16.7 μM and 0-20 μM in different methods, and the detection limit could be as low as 25 nM for F − . The detection of F − on chromatography plates and the preliminary application of the probe to detect fluoride contents in toothpaste have been successfully demonstrated. A novel multifunctional colorimetric and fluorescent 1,8-naphthalimide-based probe toward basic pH and F − has been developed.