Smart Probe for Multianalyte Signaling: Solvent Dependent Selective Recognition of I-

An azine based smart probe is developed for the naked eye and fluorescence recognition of I-. In both modes, the probe shows intense red color in the presence of I- in THF. Moreover, the probe shows solvent dependent multiple signaling, viz., green emission with Al3+ in aqueous methanol and ratiometric yellow emission with Zn2+ in DMSO. The structure of the hydrazine precursor of the probe has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray structure. The probe can detect as low as 1.2 x 10(-7) M I-, 6.8 x 10(-8) M Al3+, and 5.7 x 10(-8) M Zn2+, whereas respective association constants are 3.6x 10(4) M-1 5.2 x 10(4) M-1, and 7.9 X 10(4) M-1. Common ions do not interfere. Routine Al3+ and Zn2+ imaging in human breast cancer cell, MCF7, under fluorescence microscope has also been performed. The developed method is used for analysis of real samples.