A simple fluorescent probe for selective detection of Al3+ based on furan Schiff base and its crystal structure

A simple turn-on fluorescent probe L was synthesized by condensation of furan-2-carbohydrazide and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, and its structure was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The probe L exhibited excellent selectivity towards Al3+ over other coexistent metal ions with remarkable fluorescence enhancement, accompanied by color change from colorless to blue. Moreover, the probe L showed high sensitivity to Al3+ with low detection limit (3.10 x 10(-8) M) in the pH range of 3.0-8.0. The possible sensing mechanisms of L toward Al3+ were determined by Job plots experiments, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), H-1 NMR spectra and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Additionally, the probe L was successfully applied for detection of Al3+ in water samples with satisfactory results. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The simple turn-on fluorescent probe L, synthesized by condensation of furan-2-carbohydrazide and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, exhibited excellent selectivity towards Al3+ with remarkable fluorescence enhancement and color change, making it a promising tool for sensitive detection in water samples.