Fluorescent chemosensor based on pyrrole-aminoindanol for selective zinc detection

•The new chiral Schiff base chemosensor for Zn2 + ion detection•Structurally characterized tridentate chemosensor•Highly selective in Zn2 + ion sensing with high binding constant•Low detection limit for Zn2 + ion•1:1 complexation with Zn2 + ion

A chemosensor for selective detection of zinc has been prepared by the simple one-step reaction of pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and amino indanol. Whereas other metal ions except Zn2 + have no effect on the fluorescence of it, Zn2 + enhanced the fluorescence at 400 nm by the complexation of the sensor molecule and Zn2 + ion. The chemosensor has high selectivity and sensitivity toward Zn2 + ion with high binding constant (3 × 106 M− 1) and low detection limit (1.0 × 10− 6 mol/L). 1H NMR spectroscopy and Job's plot suggest that they formed 1:1 complex.

Graphical abstractA fluorescence chemosensor has been prepared and exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity toward Zn2+ ion with high binding constant and low detection limit. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide