A fluorescent “turn-on” sensor for the biologically active Zn2+ ion

• Synthesis of 2-hydroxyacetophenone functionalized Schiff base receptor.
• DFT calculations performed.
• Recognition and sensing of metal ions.
• Fluorescent “turn-on” sensor for Zn2+.
• In vitro cell imaging assay.

A linear Schiff-based receptor (L) containing two imino phenol units was developed for the selective fluorescent sensing of Zn2+ with a discriminating enhancement of 12-folds over the other surveyed cations. Within the huge plethora of Zn2+ receptors, this receptor is quite worth to mention because of its simple synthesis, low cost, no interference of Cd2+ and the judicious response availed with discernment. The spectroscopic (UV–Vis, fluorescence and mass) results, few mathematical models for determining analytical parameters such as binding constant (Ka), binding stoichiometry, detection limit, etc. and the frontier molecular orbitals were analyzed to explore the sensing ability of L and the mechanism.

A linear Schiff-based receptor (L) containing two imino phenol units was developed for the selective fluorescent sensing of Zn2+ with a discriminating enhancement of 12-folds over the other surveyed cations. Within the huge plethora of Zn2+ receptors, this receptor is quite worth to mention because of its simple synthesis, low cost, no interference of Cd2+ and the judicious response availed with discernment. The spectroscopic (UV–Vis, fluorescence and mass) results, few mathematical models for determining analytical parameters such as binding constant (Ka), binding stoichiometry, detection limit, etc. and the frontier molecular orbitals were analyzed to explore the sensing ability of L and the mechanism.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide