Fluorescent chemosensor based on Schiff base for selective detection of zinc(II) in aqueous solution

A chemosensor 1, based on the Schiff base, is easily prepared by reacting tryptophan and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde in methanol. The optical properties of 1 are investigated in buffered aqueous solution, which displays specific recognition to Zn2+, and especially avoids the interference of Cd2+ when 1 is tested against a range of physiological and environmentally relevant metal ions. Such a novel fluorescent probe can also be used to detect Zn2+ in live cells.

Chemosensor 1 shows specific selectivity to Zn2+ from other metal ions, especially Cd2+, with an enhanced fluorescence emission in aqueous solution.