A fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2 + based on 3,8-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline

•A ratiometric chemosensor for Zn2 + has been described.•3,8-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L) forms a 1:1 complex with Zn2 +.•The fluorescent probe (L–Zn2 +) works well in the pH range 4–9.•Crystal structures of a mononuclear Zn2 + and a 1D Cd2 + complexes are included.

3,8-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L) has been found to show high sensitivity toward Zn2 + than other competitive metal ions, where Zn2 +-selective chelation-enhanced fluorescence response at 461 nm is attributed to the formation of a 1:1 metal–ligand complex. In addition, two single-crystal structures of ligand L have been included with the same metal and ligand ratio of 1:1, namely one mononuclear Zn(II) complex [Zn(L)Cl2] (1) and one 1D Cd(II) coordination polymer [Cd(L)(NO3)2]n (2).

Graphical abstract3,8-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline was found to show high sensitivity toward Zn2 + by forming a 1:1 metal–ligand complex with the Zn2 +-selective chelation-enhanced fluorescence response at 461 nm.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide