A novel chemosensor based on Fe(III)-complexation for selective recognition and rapid detection of fluoride anions in aqueous media

A novel fluorogenic receptor 1 was prepared by the reaction of thiosemicarbazide with 1-naphthaldehyde. Based on in situ-formed 1–Fe(III) complexes having the specific binding affinity for F− anions, this sensory system allows rapid recognition and quantitative detection of fluoride in neutral aqueous media in an ‘off–on’ fashion. The fluoride measurement method not only exhibits a low detection limit but also has strong anti-interference ability to common coexisting ions, as evidenced by competitive experiments.