Coumarin based fluorescent 'turn-on' chemosensor for Zn2+: An experimental and theoretical study

A highly sensitive and selective coumarin based chemosensor (HL) for the efficient detection of Zn2+ cation has been developed in a very facile and economically cheap route with an excellent yield. The distinct color change on addition of Zn2+ to the sensor is visible under naked eye. Moreover the rapid enhancement of fluorescence emission intensity on addition of Zn2+ also provides a wonderful detection technique for Zn2+. The chemosensor is also efficient in detection of Zn2+ even in the presence of other metals and shows high selectivity towards Zn2+. Experimental results have been verified with DFT and TDDFT calculations.