A new unsymmetric tetradentate salamo-like chemical sensor H2L for fluorescent recognition of Zn2+ has been designed and synthesized. The sensor can recognize Zn2+ from other metal ions examined with selectivity, anti-interference, reliability and high sensitivity (LOD = 1.89 × 10-6 M) in ethanol/H2O solution. The results of UV-Vis and fluorescent spectra analyses, X-ray crystallographic study and DMol3 simulation and calculation (on Materials Studio) indicate that the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) recognition mechanism of the sensor H2L for Zn2+ is of its hindered PET process. The sensor H2L for Zn2+ has excellent fluorescence characteristics and has potential application value in biological and environmental systems.
Keywords: Crystal structure; DMol3; Fluorescence recognition; Molecule sensor; Zn(II) ion.