An AIE based tetraphenylethylene derivative for highly selective and light-up sensing of fluoride ions in aqueous solution and in living cells

An AIE based tetraphenylethylene derivative (MOTIPS-TPE) with a pyridinium pendant was synthesized for light-up sensing of F- in aqueous solution without additives. The fluoride ion promoted cleavage reaction gave MOTIPS-TPE high selectivity toward F- over other common anions. Moreover, MOTIPS-TPE can be used to monitor F- in living HeLa cells.