Dansyl-styrylquinoline conjugate as divalent iron sensor

Synthesis and photophysical studies of a simple and efficient dansyl-styrylquinoline conjugate (DansSQ) which shows excellent selectivity toward Fe2+ over other transition metal ions including Fe3+ are described. The fluorescent emission of DansSQ at 450 nm was enhanced upon addition of Fe2+ in the presence of common interfering metal ions in background. These studies suggest that DansSQ could be used as fluorescent sensor for Fe2+.