Coumarin-Based Fluorescent Probe for Hypochlorites and Real Application in Tap Water

Taking advantages of both the oxidation property of hypochlorite and different coordination properties of Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, we developed a new fluorescent probe for hypochlorite anion, namely, compound C1. In the presence of ClO^-, the sensing system displayed extraordinary fluorescence quenching, which was beneficial to the production of a high signal output during detection process. By virtue of its special oxidation property, the probe displayed high selectivity for ClO^- over other anions. Moreover, this novel sensing system could be used for the analysis of ClO^- levels in tap water and potentially in environmental samples.