Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of a carbazolyl-BODIPY as a Fluorimetric Chemosensor for F^-

The development of compounds capable of recognizing ions with biological and environmental importance through optical signals (colorimetric and/or fluorimetric) is an attractive goal nowadays. Fluoride is an example of an anion harmful to human health at certain levels since its high intake can lead to chronic diseases such as dental and skeleton fluorosis, and metabolic dysfunctions. Thus, simple and rapid sensing tools to monitor fluoride levels in biological samples are of great importance. Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives have received great attention for chemosensory applications due to their remarkable physical-chemical properties, such as high molar absorption coefficients, high quantum fluorescence yields, intense and narrow absorption/emission bands in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and good photochemical stability. Additionally, the BODIPY core can be easily functionalized to be used as selective chromo-fluorogenic chemosensor for various analytes. In continuation of the work developed in our research group, regarding chromofluorogenic chemosensors, we report the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and evaluation of the chemosensory ability of a novel BODIPY derivative functionalized with a carbazolyl group at the meso position as a fluorimetric chemosensor for the selective detection of fluoride.