A new chemosensor (NANH) based on naphthyl moiety was synthesized with good selectivity and sensitivity towards Al3+ ions via the inhibition by operating through dual mechanisms like photo-induced electron transfer (PET) and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The synthesized NANH was validated by various techniques such as 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectrum. While prominent fluorescent enhancement was observed from the NANH upon binding with Al3+ ions, however, other metal ions have not responded in the emission spectrum. Detection limit and association constant of NANH for Al3+ were calculated as 1.2 × 10-7 M and 4.09 × 104 M-1 by using fluorescence titration method. Binding ratio (1:1) of NANH with Al3+ ions were proved by Job's plot and DFT studies. Furthermore, aluminium in variety of water samples was determined, and NANH could be used for biosensing of Al3+ in living cells.
Keywords: Al(3+) detection; Biosensing; DFT; Excited state intramolecular proton transfer; Naphthyl Schiff base; Photoinduced electron transfer.
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