A fluorescent ionic liquid with a dansylamide chromophore was synthesized.
The ionic probe showed highly sensitive and selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives, especially for picric acid (PA).
Theoretical calculations and NMR studies have demonstrated that the resonance energy transfer may play a cooperative role in determining the fluorescence quenching efficiency.
The test paper results validated that the unprecedented efficiency of FIL 3 for on-site and instant detection of PA.