A novel molecular probe sensing polynuclear hydrolyzed aluminum by chelation-enhanced fluorescence

► A novel molecular probe based on CHEF mechanism was designed and prepared. ► Probe showed a strong fluorescent response to Al(III) selectively. ► Quantum chemistry simulation was used to illustrate the mechanism of CHEF. ► Sensing target Al(III) showed to be the polynuclear hydrolyzed aluminum. ► Enhanced fluorescent images of HeLa cells using P2 were obtained.