Thermodynamic and fluorescence emission properties of the Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) complexes with a fluorescent chelator bearing phenanthroline and naphthalene subunits

► A new branched polyamine ligand containing a phenanthroline and two naphthalene groups have been synthesized. ► The ligand binds Zn(II) and Cd(II) with high selectivity over Pb(II). ► Exciplex emission in the visible region defines the conditions for sensing of Zn(II) and Cd(II) in the presence of Pb(II).