A novel colorimetric probe for fluoride detection utilizing hydrogen bonding: Synthesis strategy and application in real food samples

• A novel hydrogen-bond-based colorimetric probe R was synthesized via a one-pot method. • The structure of the probe and its detection mechanism were analyzed. • The probe has been successfully applied to the detection of fluoride in Antarctic krill. • Portable test strips were prepared for the detection of fluoride in organic aqueous systems. Fluoride poisoning from consuming brick-tea, drinking water, and coal burning poses significant health risks, including dental and skeletal fluorosis. To address this, a novel colorimetric probe (probe R) for fluoride ion (F – ) detection was designed and synthesized. Probe R exhibited a distinct UV-vis absorption response to F⁻, accompanied by visible color changes, with a detection limit of 1.91 μmol/L. Mechanistic studies using ¹H NMR confirmed hydrogen bonding as the driving force behind the interaction between probe R and F⁻. Leveraging this mechanism, a portable test strip was developed for F⁻ detection in organic and aqueous organic systems. Furthermore, probe R was successfully applied to detect F⁻ in Antarctic krill extraction solutions, demonstrating its practical utility. In conclusion, probe R demonstrates excellent optical performance and can be utilized for monitoring F – in aqueous organic systems and real food samples.