Photochromic spirooxazine as highly sensitive and selective probe for optical detection of Fe3+ in aqueous solution

- A spirooxazine receptor was synthesized and structure was investigated through single crystal X-ray determination.
- The optical response (color, absorbance and fluorescence change) of the spirooxazine receptor toward transition metal ions was investigated.
- The spirooxazine receptor displayed highly sensitive and selective optical response toward Fe3+ ions.
- Detection limit value suggested that the spirooxazine receptor can be used for detection of trace concentration of Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution.