A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence probe for Zn2+ and Cd2+ with 1,10-phenanthroline derivative

Abstract

A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe 2-([1, 1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-2, 3b,11a,11b-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (probe 1), was designed and synthesized for sensitive and selective detection of Zn2+ and Cd2+ in methanol, test paper and actual water samples. When probe 1 was excited at 350 nm in methanol solution, in the presence of alkali metal ions, alkali-earth metal ions and a variety of transition metal ions, it showed sensitive fluorescence selectivity to Zn2+ and Cd2+. With the addition of Zn2+, the color of the solution changed from purple to green with the naked eye, and with the addition of Cd2+, the color of the solution changed from purple to cyan. The fluorescence intensity of probe 1 showed a good linear relationship with Zn2+ and Cd2+ concentrations, and the detection limits of both Zn2+ and Cd2+ were 0.11 μM. The binding mode of probe 1 and Zn2+ was discussed according to the 1-Zn single X-ray crystal structure. In addition, the results of strip test and real water sample test showed that probe 1 has potential application prospect in environmental ion recognition.