A turn-on fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ based on new Schiff's base derivative in aqueous media

•A novel fluorescence chemosensor for Zn2+ ion in aqueous buffered solution has been developed.•The fluorescence signal of the proposed sensor was completely recovered after immersion of EDTA solution.•Observed remarkable fluorescence of Tris(3-(2-hydroxyacetophenone)propyl)amine (L) enhances in presence of Zn2+.•Linear detecting range of fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+ ion was 1.6 × 10−7–5.0 × 10−5 M.

In order to detect trace amounts of Zn2+ ion in aqueous buffered solution through fluorescence spectroscopy, Tris(3-(2-hydroxyacetophenone)propyl)amine (L) has been exploited. The fluorescent probe after binding to Zn2+ ions in pH 7.2 buffered solution generates enhancement in fluorescent emission intensity. Covalent binding of Zn2+ ion to the probe causes an enhancement in fluorescent intensity. The binding constant value is obtained 3.0 × 106 mol−1. The sensor can be applied to the quantification of Zn2+ ion with a linear range of 1.6 × 10−7–5.0 × 10−5 M and the detection limit of 8.8 × 10−8 M. The sensor shows high selectivity toward Zn2+ in comparison with common metal ions. As a result the proposed fluorescent sensor was successfully applied for determination of Zn2+ in water samples.

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