Thiacalix[4]arene-tetra-(quinoline-8-sulfonate): a Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Co (II)

A novel fluorescent thiacalix[4]arene-tetra-(quinoline-8-sulfonate) (TCTQ8S) was synthesized by condensation of thiacalix[4]arene (TCA) and 8-quinoline sulfonyl chloride(8QSC). TCTQ8S was characterized by ESI-MS, H-1-NMR and C-13-NMR spectroscopic methods. TCTQ8S was found to be an efficient turn-off fluorescent sensor for the selective and sensitive recognition of Co(II) ions. The Job's plot measurement reveals a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. The designed chemosensor exhibited high selectivity toward Co(II) ions vs. other tested metal ions, with a detection limit of up to 1.038 x 10(-9) M. The binding constant and quantum yield for the complex were also determined. Molecular docking studies have been successfully performed to support 1:1 binding of TCTQ8S with the Co(II) metal ion. TCTQ8S was evaluated for real sample analysis on water sample for the detection of Co(II).