Naphthalimide-based AIE-active receptor: HSO/SO sensing and detection of Pb by receptor-anion ensemble in aqueous medium.

Herein we report a naphthalimide-chromophore based blue light emitting Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) active fluorescent chemo-sensor for the selective turn-on fluorescent sensing of HSO/SO ions in the aqueous medium through in-depth spectroscopic and microscopic analysis. HSO/SOsensing in aqueous environment is quite challenging due to its high hydration energy, however Nap-1 showed a detection limit down to the micromolar range without any interference from the other tested competitive anions. The sensing mechanism has been discussed thoroughly. Nap-1 was further applied in detection of HSO/SO ions in real water as well as in fabrication of an economical paper strip model. The receptor-anion ensemble was further used for the sensing of heavy metal ions such as Pb in the micromolar range. Nap-1 was used for the construction of two inputs INHIBIT type molecular logic gate.