A novel single-fluorophore-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for detection of formaldehyde in air

A single-fluorophore-based ratiometric fluorescent probe based on anthracene carboximide was developed for detection of formaldehyde. In the presence of formaldehyde, the fluorescence emission would change from red to yellow-green, and the probe showed excellent sensitivity, selectivity and anti-interference. Furthermore, the response mechanism was illustrated to be that change in fluorescent signal is resulted from variation of substituent group on the 6th position of anthracene ring. A test paper was developed by loading probe onto filter paper strip. With this test paper, the detection of gaseous formaldehyde could be carried out conveniently, visually and quickly. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.