Two Schiff-base fluorescence probes based on triazole and benzotriazole for selective detection of Zn2+

Two novel Schiff-base fluorescence probes based on triazole and benzotriazole were designed and synthesized. Corresponding orbital electron distribution and molecular geometry configurations of the compounds were predicted by density functional theory (DFT). Fluorescence properties of probes were detected by UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. Test results indicated that the probes had specific selectivity and high sensitivity for Zn2+ compared with metal ions examined (Ag+, Al3+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Hg2+, K+ and Pb2+). In addition, the detection limit of the probes toward Zn2+ was low down 10−9 M. Therefore, the probes should be potential application in both the environment and biological systems for the detecting of Zn2+.