A thiophene substituted naphthyl hydrazone derivative NHT was synthesized using a one-step route for the detection of trivalent chromium (Cr3+). UV-visible absorption and emission spectra, density functional theory calculations as well as 1H NMR titration confirmed that the probe underwent a turn-off response via the chelation enhanced fluorescence quenching effect upon exposure to Cr3+ and the NHT-Cr3+ complex was formed at a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. NHT exhibited a fast response rate of 2.3 min in buffer solution and a relatively low limit of detection of 41 nM. In addition, the Schiff base chemosensor exhibited excellent selectivity with high affinity towards Cr3+ in the presence of other competing cations. Bioimaging of the probe in PC3 cells further demonstrated the potential real life application of the probe in detecting Cr3+.
Keywords: Cell permeability; Chelation enhanced quenching; Cytotoxicity; Schiff base; Trivalent chromium.
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