A multifunctional sensor: Chromogenic sensing for Mn2+ and fluorescent sensing for Zn2+ and Al3+

Anew multifunctional chemosensor 1 was developed for the detection of Mn2+, Zn2+ and Al3+. This sensor 1 detected Mn2+ ions through a distinct color change from colorless to yellow in MeCN-buffer solution. In addition, the sensor 1 showed significant fluorescence enhancements in the presence of Zn2+ ion and Al3+ ion, respectively, in an organic solvent DMF. Interestingly, the sensor 1 showed a good selectivity and sensitivity toward only Zn2+ ion in aqueous solution and was found to be reversible. In particular, this chemosensor could clearly distinguish Zn2+ from Cd2+. The binding modes of the complexes were determined to be a 1:1 complexation stoichiometry through Job plot, 1H NMR titration, and ESI-mass spectrometry analysis. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.