A triazole based fluorescence “turn-on” sensor for Al(Ⅲ) and Zn(Ⅱ) ions

• A fluorescence “turn-on” sensor can selectively detect two metal ions simultaneously was designed and synthesized.
• Upon the addition of metal ions, the fluorescence intensity increased remarkably.
• The enhanced fluorescence was probably attributed to the formation of a 1:1 complex.

A triazole derivative containing trifluoromethyl and diphenol unit was synthesized as a fluorescent ‘turn-on’ chemosensor for Al3+ and Zn2+ ions with high sensitivity, a rapid response time and specific selectivity over other cations.