A fluorescence turn-on probe for iodide based on the redox reaction between cupric and iodide

We have successfully introduced a novel strategy for the rational design of a fluorescence turn-on probe for iodide, which is a notorious fluorescence quencher due to the heavy atom effect. The strategy is based on the redox reaction between Cu2+ and iodide. The probe exhibited a 20-fold fluorescence enhancement in the presence of 4 equiv. of iodide. The probe developed herein represents the first fluorescence amplified probe for iodide. We believe that it will find interesting use in environment.