Preferential recognition of zinc ions through a new anthraquinonoidal calix[4]arene

A novel anthraquinonoidal calix[4]arene derivative was designed and synthesized for the preferential recognition of biologically important zinc in preference to prominently similar cadmium ions and other metal ions via quenching of fluorescence intensity. The stoichiometry of host guest complexation has been determined to be 1:1. The fluorescence changes associated with the recognition event may be attributed to the interaction of zinc ions with the nitrogenous functionality attached at the lower rim of calix[4]arene cavity which allows spatial disposition of the anthraquinonoid segments.