Ratiometric spectroscopic response of pH sensitive probes: An alternative strategy for multidimensional sensing

An alternative strategy, hybridizing the proper choice of a pH sensitive fluorophore and the ratiometric technique of plot of the spectral parameters of the probe, has been introduced for the generation of new molecular sensors for multidimensional purposes. Various anions present in aqueous medium or biological fluids through alkali metal salts, can be detected and estimated. Selectivity factor turns out to be dependent on the dissociation constant of the conjugate acid of the anion to be detected. The technique can be exploited for the sensing of cyanide ion, a supremely toxic anion, accurate to the micromolar level of concentration.