Selective fluorescent sensors for malate anion using the complex of phenanthroline-based Eu(III) in aqueous solution

- The novel fluorescent sensors based on phenanthroline Schiff base can recognize Cd2+, Zn2+ and Eu3+.
- L1-Eu3+ complex could be applied as selective sensor to distinguish malate anion from other carboxylate anions in an aqueous solution.
- The binding constants were calculated and binding mechanism was given.