A reversible fluorescent chemosensor for the rapid sensing of CN− in water: utilization of the intramolecular charge transfer blocking.

A reversible and water-soluble 2,4-dimethyl-7-amino-1,8-naphthyridine (ZR) was synthesized to fluorescently sense CN− in water. Interestingly, the deprotonation reaction between cyanide and the primary amine would block the intramolecular charge transfer of the electron donor and acceptor, thus, affecting the ICT efficiency and optical properties of the sensing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]