An “OFF–ON” fluorescent chemosensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of Al (III) in aqueous solution

• Published in: Dyes and pigments 2013-12, Vol.99 (3), p.693-698
• Main Authors: Guo, Yuan-Yuan, Yang, Li-Zi, Ru, Jia-Xi, Yao, Xiang, Wu, Jiang, Dou, Wei, Qin, Wen-Wu, Zhang, Guo-Lin, Tang, Xiao-Liang, Liu, Wei-Sheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum; Aluminum ion; Aqueous solution; Aqueous solutions; Biological imaging; Chemoreceptors; Chemosensor; China; Drinking water; Dyes; Environmental monitoring; Fluorescence; Schiff base
• ISSN: 0143-7208; 1873-3743
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2013.06.035

A Schiff base-type fluorescent chemosensor, 2,2′-bipyridyl-3,3′-bis-(N,N′-disalicylidene)-formyhydrazone has been synthesized and characterized. Among the various metal ions, only Al3+ induces the fluorescence enhancement of the formylhydrazone and results in “OFF–ON” type sensing with excellent selectivity and high sensitivity in aqueous system. The lowest detection limit for Al3+ is 0.17 μM, which is much lower than the permissible concentration of Al3+ for drinking water in China. Also, the chemosensor can be applied to the monitoring of Al3+ ion in aqueous solution with a pH span 6–8. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopic imaging also indicates that the formylhydrazone chemosensor has the potential for the detection of Al3+ in the biological environment. [Display omitted] •A sensitive and selective Al3+ fluorescent chemosensor based on Schiff's base complex was developed.•The limit of detection for Al3+ is 0.17 μM in aqueous solution.•The chemosensor operated in aqueous solution.•The chemosensor can be applied in fluorescence microscopic imaging.