Progress in the molecular design and synthesis of organic fluorescent probe for picric acid detection

Abstract

Highly selective and sensitive detection of nitro aromatic explosive picric acid (PA) has become a challenging task due to the increasing concerns over national security and environmental awareness. In order to adjust to the trend of green chemistry, more and more attention has been attached to the fluorescent probes among various PA detection techniques, especially the organic molecule fluorescent probes without any metal ion (e.g. Hg2+)-assisted fluorescence enhancement for their easy availability and good processability. According to the molecular composition of the probes, these organic molecule probes can be classified into three categories as polymer, oligomer, and small molecule type. The progress on their molecular design and synthesis is reviewed, and their future trend is also prospected.