A novel highly specific colorimetric fluorescent probe for the detection of nitrite in aqueous solution

Abstract

Developing an effective method for the detection of nitrite (NO₂ ^- ) ions in the natural environment especially in environmental waters and soils is very necessary, since they will cause serious damage to human health once excess NO₂ ^- ions enters the human body. Therefore, a new colorimetric fluorescent probe NB-NO₂ ^- for determining NO₂ ^- ions was designed, which possesses good water-solubility and satisfactory selectivity over other common ions for NO₂ ^- ions. The addition of NO₂ ^- ions changed the color of solution from blue to colorless seen by the naked-eye. Furthermore, through test and calculation, the detection limit of the probe NB-NO₂ ^- is 129 nM. Based on the earlier excellent characteristics, the probe NB-NO₂ ^- was successfully used for monitoring NO₂ ^- ions in environmental waters and soils.