A novel urea-derived fluorescent sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+

A novel urea-derived fluorescent sensor MDSU for Fe3+ was designed and synthesized. Its sensing behavior to metal ions was investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectra. In DMSO/H2O (1:1, v/v) solution, sensor MDSU showed a highly selective and sensitive recognition to Fe3+ over other competitive metal ions. This sensor formed a 1:1 complex with Fe3+ and displayed fluorescence quenching. Moreover, sensor MDSU can rapidly detect Fe3+ in real time with a lower detection limit of 1.816 x 10(-7) M. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.