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 1H NMR titration, high resolution mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations.