Fluoride-selective optical sensor based on dipyrrolyl-tetrathiafulvalene chromophore

A chemosensor bearing dipyrrolyl motifs as recognition sites and a tetrathiafulvalene redox tag has been evaluated as an optical and redox sensor for a series of anions (F-, Cl-, Br-, HSO4-, CH3COO-, and H2PO4-) in DCM solution. The receptor shows specific optical signaling for fluoride but little electrochemical effect in solution. The solid-state performance of the sensor leads to measurable changes in water. Design implications towards better systems based on these results and other examples are discussed.