A two-dimensional zinc(II)-based metal-organic framework [Zn • (BA) • (BBI)] was synthesized from 1,2-benzenediacetic acid and 1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl) bis(imidazole) via a solvothermal reaction. The crystal exhibits good chemical stability in the pH range from 2 to 12, and strong fluorescence with excitation/emission maxima of 270/290 nm. The crystal is shown to by a viable fluorescent probe for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA) and the antibiotics chloramphenicol (CHL) and ceftriaxone (CRO). Fluorescence intensity of crystal dispersion is significantly quenched with increasing concentrations of AA/CHL/CRO. Quenching occurs even in the presence of other substances. The assay is fast (5 s) and has a low detection limit (1.6 ppb for AA, 12 ppb for CHL and 3.9 ppb for CRO). The crystal still has a good quenching effect on AA/CHL/CRO after washing and using for five times. The response of the probe is related to the interplay between the MOF and analytes via energy absorption competition. Graphical abstractSchematic diagram of preparing Zn • (BA) • (BBI) and responding to target analytes. BA: 1,2-phenyldiacetic acid; BBI: 1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole); Zn • (BA) • (BBI): Crystal chemical formula.
Keywords: 1,1′-(1,4-Butanediyl)bisimidazole; Fluorescent probe; Quenching; Serum analysis; Zn • (BA) • (BBI).