Modulating Dual Fluorescence Emissions in Imine-Based Probes to Distinguish D₂O and H₂O

Abstract

How to distinguish D2O and H2O and determine the trace H2O content in D2O solvent, by using molecule-based spectral probes, is an intriguing topic in analytical chemistry, yet considerably few examples remain up to now, likely due to the very similar physical/chemical properties between D2O and H2O. In this work, we found that both the hydrolysis reactions to release fluorescent amines and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of imines, functioning as dual fluorescence signals to distinguish D2O and H2O, could be modulated by changing the imine structures. The hydrophobicity of imines showed an important contribution to the ability of modulating the hydrolysis reactions and AIE, demonstrating a significant difference on fluorescence signals in D2O and H2O solvents. Among all tested imines, probe 3, condensed from 2-naphthylamine and salicylaldehyde, was found to have the potential ability to act as an ideal candidate for probing the H2O content in D2O solvent, particularly in a low H2O content range, using the ratiomeric emission signals.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Highly Sensitive Turn-On Fluorescent Probe for D2O

“…However, D 2 O is very susceptible to humidity, which affects its purity and severely hampers its practical application . The density of D 2 O is more than that of H 2 O, and due to this, drinking heavy water in larger quantities for a prolonged period can cause dizziness and low blood pressure. , Also, excess D 2 O over permitted dose induces cell division or mitosis. , Therefore, it is very important to develop a robust and sustainable method for quantitative detection of heavy water and ascertain its purity. The chemical and physical similarities of D 2 O to regular water make it difficult to quantify it in the D 2 O–H 2 O mixture.…”

“… 3 , 4 Also, excess D 2 O over permitted dose induces cell division or mitosis. 5 , 6 Therefore, it is very important to develop a robust and sustainable method for quantitative detection of heavy water and ascertain its purity. The chemical and physical similarities of D 2 O to regular water make it difficult to quantify it in the D 2 O–H 2 O mixture.…”