Fluorescent ZnII Chemosensor Mediated by a 1,8-Naphthyridine Derivative and It's Photophysical Properties

• Published in: ChemistryOpen (Weinheim) Vol. 7; no. 8; pp. 639 - 644
• Main Authors: Luo, Wenxiu, Liu, Mengjiao, Yang, Ting, Yang, Xia, Wang, Yi, Xiang, Haifeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.08.2018
• ISSN: 2191-1363; 2191-1363
• DOI: 10.1002/open.201800083

One of the greatest challenges in using fluorescent chemosensors for highly selective and sensitive transition-metal ions is finding an efficient and simple method for its synthesis. In this study, a highly efficient fluorescence chemosensor for ZnII was developed from N-Boc-L-proline modified 1,8-naphthyridine. The fluorescence intensity of the chemosensor was increased significantly only in the presence of ZnII ion which provided a perceived color change for rapid visual sensing, while other metal ions showed fluorescence quenching or little changes. It was worth noting that the chemosensor L distinguished ZnII from CdII commonly having similar properties. The solvent effect and possible bonding mode for fluorescence enhancement have been also discussed. Results of this study indicated that the Boc-group in l-proline significantly improved the sensitivity and selectivity for ZnII detection performance, as confirmed by comparison experiments and time dependent-density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations.