A novel colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for fluoride anions based on perylene tetra-(alkoxycarbonyl) derivatives

•A novel fluoride anion (F−) colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe (AOP) based on perylene tetra-(alkoxycarbonyl) derivative was synthesized.•Probe AOP selectively detected F− with unique absorption and fluorescence changes, which were not observable for other halides and anions.•Planar conformation and D-A type of AOP facilitated efficient intramolecular charge transfer, resulting in red shifts of absorption/emission spectrum and ratio fluorescent response.•The use of silica coated slides of the AOP to detect F− was reported.