A fluoride selective dipyrromethane-TCNQ colorimetric sensor based on charge-transfer

A colorimetric sensor based on dipyrromethane(donor)-7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane (acceptor) charge-transfer compound depicts excellent selectivity for naked-eye as well as spectrophotometric determination of F− even in co-existence with other halide ions (Cl−, Br− and I−). The sensing mechanism is ascribed to the interrupted charge-transfer between donor–acceptor in the presence of F−. The sensing on solid support mimics the solution sensing process supported by the reflectance values. Thus this compound has potential for practical applications.