A novel 100% aqueous solution near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent CN- probe based on 1,4-dihydropyridines, with a large fluorescent emission peak shift.

1,4-Dihydropyridines are a class of drugs with a wide range of biological activities and pharmacological effects. However, there are few reports on its optical activity, especially its application on fluorescent CN probe. In this experiment, we designed and synthesized a fluorescent probe based on 1,4-dihydropyridines to detect CN. Interestingly, the probe exhibited outstanding properties such as 100% water soluble, near infrared, ratiometric, fast response, high selectivity and anti-interference ability for other ions. The color change indicated that the probe can be used for naked eye identification. In particular, the probe showed a super large fluorescent emission peak shift (260 nm). In addition, the reaction mechanism of the probe has been studied by H NMR titration, high resolution mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations.