Fluorescent sensors and rapid detection films for Fe3+ and Cu2+ based on naphthalene and cholesterol derivative organogels

Two novel gelators G1 and G2 based on naphthalene and cholesterol derivatives were designed and synthesized, which could form stable organogel in different kind of solvents. Interestingly, G2 could act as an efficient fluorescent sensor for detection of Fe3+ and Cu2+, also the self-assembly mechanism and ion response mechanism were further studied. The detection limits of G2 for Fe3+ and Cu2+ are 8.2539 × 10−6 M and 9.1426 × 10−6 M, respectively. Besides, a rapid fluorescence detection film for Fe3+ and Cu2+ were also developed.