A fluorescence reagent for the highly selective recognition and separation of lead ion (II) from aqueous solutions

A new fluorescence reagent, N,N-bi[4(1-pyrene)-butyroyl]-lysine (1) was synthesized. The new fluorescence sensor showed high sensitivity (detection limit up to 20.7 μg L−1) and specific selectivity for Pb2+ over other metal ions examined in aqueous solutions. It could also be used to remove Pb2+ from aqueous solutions by filtering the insoluble 1–Pb2+ complex with sufficient reversibility.

A new fluorescence reagent, N,N-bi[4(1-pyrene)-butyroyl]-lysine (1) was synthesized. The new fluorescence sensor showed high sensitivity (detection limit up to 20.7 μg L−1) and specific selectivity for Pb2+ over other metal ions examined in aqueous solutions. It could also be used to remove Pb2+ from aqueous solutions by filtering the insoluble 1–Pb2+ complex with sufficient reversibility.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new fluorescence reagent (1) for Pb2+ was synthesized.
► The fluorescence sensor shows a low detection limit (20.7 μg L−1) for Pb2+.
► The sensor exhibits a specific selectivity for Pb2+ in aqueous solution.
► The reagent can remove Pb2+ with a good reversibility from aqueous solution.