A Fluorescence‐Enhanced Naphthalimide Fluorescent Probe With CF3 Group to Detect Formaldehyde and Its Application in Mini‐Bok Choy

ABSTRACT Trifluoromethyl's outstanding stability and strong electronegativity led to the development of a fluorescence‐enhanced probe (CF 3 ‐P) for formaldehyde (FA) detection. In aqueous solution, the CF 3 ‐P can react nucleophilically with FA, and the fluorescence intensity at 544 nm progressively rises and has a strong linear relationship. The CF 3 ‐P solution turned from colorless to light yellow when exposed to 365 nm UV light, as the amount of FA increased. The spiking recovery rate of the CF 3 ‐P is good. Furthermore, it is used to identify exogenous FA in mini‐bok choy. The root's R + G/B analysis shows a linear relationship with the FA concentration, and the colorimetric analysis of the middle portion and the root is more evident. As a result, the CF 3 ‐P is a practical instrument for FA detection.