A Novel Sensitive Turn-on Fluorescent Zn2+ Chemosensor Based on an Easy To Prepare C3-Symmetric Schiff-Base Derivative in 100% Aqueous Solution

A C-3-symmetric Schiff-base example of the new simple, low cost, highly water soluble, and sensitive turn-on fluorescent Zn2+ chemosensor is described. The sensor was successfully applied to the detection of intracellular Zn2+. Moreover, the sensor could also serve as a potential recyclable component in sensing materials. Notably, the color change is so obvious that all of the recycling process can be seen clearly by the naked eye.