Abstract
A simple (R)-(−)-2-phenylglycinol functionalized Schiff base exhibited a dual response to Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+ ions in water:methanol, (90:10 v/v). The compound displays an “off–on” fluorescent effect with Zn2+ ions. The emission response decreased with Cu2+ forming a Cu2+/Zn2+ specie. The fluorescence signal is restored upon addition of sulfide anion (S2−) using the Cu2+displacement approach, forming again the Zinc complex. Additionally, the sensor exhibits a second channel (colorimetric) response with Fe2+ even in the presence of competing Fe3+ ions. The pH profiles allowed to determine the pKa values and the pH-dependent change in the sensor recognition process. In addition, TD-DFT quantum chemical calculations were implemented to analyze the sensing mechanism by means of Natural Transition Orbital (NTO) analysis. Flow cytometry experiments demonstrated that the sensor successfully detects either exogenous or endogenous (natural) Zn2+ ions in Jurkat cells with high sensitivity.
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