A benzobisimidazolium-based fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor for CO2

Abstract

A new sensor for the fluorescent and colorimetric detection of CO 2 is described. The system utilizes fluoride to activate a tetrapropyl benzobisimidazolium salt and operates in the absence of an exogenous base. On the basis of spectroscopic and theoretical analyses, the mode of action of the present system is ascribed to the fluoride-induced formation of an N-heterocyclic carbene intermediate that reacts with CO2 to form an imidazolium carboxylate. © 2012 American Chemical Society.