Both visual and fluorescent sensors for Zn2 + based on bis(pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine) platform

• Two pyrrole containing Schiff base chemo-sensors were synthesized.
• Each probe could act as colorimetric and fluorescent off on sensor to Zn2 +.
• The detection limits of both sensors to Zn2 + are at the parts per million level.
• Selective fluorescence sensing of Zn2 + ion via CN isomerization.
• Both sensors have been applied in monitoring Zn2 + in real water samples.

Two bis(pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine) chemo-sensors, 1, 3- and 1, 4-bis[3,4-dimethyl-5-ethyloxy -carbonyl-pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine]benzene (H2L1 and H2L2, respectively) have been synthesized and characterized, which exhibit high selectivity as off-on fluorescence sensors toward Zn2 + in CH3CN/H2O (9:1, v/v) solution. The detection limits of both sensors are at the parts per million level. Moreover, the probes H2L1 and H2L2 could sense Zn2 + by “naked eye” with a color change from colorless to yellow, and from yellow to dark yellow, respectively. To test the practical use of the probes, the determination of Zn2 + in real water samples was also evaluated.

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