Highly selective and sensitive receptor for Fe3+ probing

• A new fluorescent urea and thiol based chemosensor was developed and synthesized.
• Chemosensor showed excellent selectivity for Fe3+ ions over other interfering ions.
• Chemosensor can detect Fe3+ up to 0.1 μM in semi-aqueous medium (DMSO/H2O, 8:2, v/v).
• Experimental results have been supported by DFT calculations.

A new fluorescent receptor 1,1′-(4-methylbenzene-1,3-diyl)bis[3-(2-sulfanylphenyl)urea] (1) has been designed and synthesized. The receptor showed excellent selectivity for Fe3+ in DMSO/H2O (8:2, v/v) solvent system over other commonly coexistent metal ions. The binding constant (Ka) of receptor with Fe3+ was calculated to be 11,250 M−1, 12,970 M−1 and 12,970 M−1 using Benesi–Hildebrand, Scatchard and Connor plot, respectively. The experimental results have been further supported by the detailed DFT calculations.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide