A single optical sensor with high sensitivity for detection of Fe3+ and CN− ions

Abstract

1,2-Bis(2-hydroxymethylphenoxy)ethane was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The sensing ability of the sensor was studied in the presence of different cations and anions. Following the excitation wavelengths at 275nm in EtOH/H2O (1:9, v/v) and 310nm in MeCN/H2O (1:9, v/v), two distinct emissions at 305 and 356nm were obtained, respectively. Fe3+ and CN− ions were successfully detected in EtOH/H2O and MeCN/H2O mixtures, respectively. While the fluorescence intensity of the sensor quenched considerably in the presence of Fe3+ cation at 305nm, it enhanced in the presence of CN− anion at 356nm. Selectivity of the sensor toward these ions was verified in the presence of a variety of common interfering ions. The detection limits of Fe3+ and CN− were calculated as 5.4 × 10−9molL−1 and 1.9 × 10−8molL−1, respectively which shows the high sensitivity of the sensor toward the target ions. Finally, the interaction of the sensor and CN− anion was determined by computational studies.