A naphthalene derived Schiff base as a selective fluorescent probe for Fe2+

• Low molecular weight naphthalene based Schiff base was designed and synthesized in a single step.
• The chemosensor shows unique selectivity towards Fe2+ ion in aqueous media.
• A reversible sensor with a plausible PET inhibition and ICT mechanism has been demonstrated with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry.
• Determination of Fe2+ in a variety of samples were analyzed using the chemosensor.

A naphthalene pyridine Schiff base 1 as a fluorescent chemosensor was developed for the detection of Fe2+ ions in CH3CN–H2O solution. Its binding properties toward various other heavy and transition metal ions including Fe3+ ions were examined. The sensor showed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe2+ ions in aqueous media with the lower detection limit of 1.5 × 10−7 M. The fluorescence “turn-on” recognition process follows the ICT process and CN isomerisation. In addition, determination of Fe2+ in a variety of samples were analyzed which includes commercially available tablets, tomato juice, dark chocolate and tap water.

Selective detection of Fe2+ ion using naphthalene based fluorescent probe by ICT mechanism.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide