A reversible ratiometric fluorescence probe for fast detection of trace water in different organic solvents

Abstract We have developed a new ratiometric fluorescence probe that was constructed by dansyl and rhodamine mimic and based on Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) platform. The probe could fast monitor trace water in organic solvents with high sensitivity and reversibility. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first ratiometric fluorescence probe based on organic small molecule for trace water in organic solvents. Moreover, test strips were made and used to detect water in organic solvents easily. In addition, Gibbs free energy in different solvents was calculated.