A novel fluorescence probe for the detection of water content in organic solvents and the distinction between deuterated and nondeuterated reagents

A novel D-π-A type fluorescent probe (probe 1) was developed for water content detection in organic solvents. By analyzing the relationship between fluorescence and water content, the probe was successfully applied to determine trace water content in tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, 2-butanone, acetone, dimethylformamide, and acetonitrile. High water content in THF and ethyl acetate was associated with a gradual colour change from yellowish green to earthy yellow. The red/green value had a linear relationship with the water content in THF and ethyl acetate. There was a linear relationship between the red/blue value and water content in 2-butanone and acetone. Furthermore, probe 1 could be used for human serum albumin detection. Unexpectedly, probe 1 had a different colour response in deuterated and nondeuterated solvents, and had different fluorescence intensity and fluorescence emission wavelength. Probe 1 is rare tool that can distinguish between deuterated and nondeuterated reagents.