Ferrocene appended highly ICT based molecular sensor for Mg(II) ion: Application for bio-imaging and TLC strip studies

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of magnesium at concentration levels as low as parts per billion (ppb) is a basic, fundamental and practical concern. The present study displays the design and synthesis of a novel specific receptor (E)-3-((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)amino)-2-ferrocenyl-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one (HnFQz) for selective recognition of Mg(II). The HnFQz shows turn-on fluorescence response from colorless to yellowish green after treatment with Mg(II) at λmax. 499 nm in aqueous acetonitrile. The experimental findings were well supported by theoretical results. The ESI-MS spectrometry and the Job’s experimental results confirm the formation of 1:1 complex between HnFQz and Mg(II). Further study demonstrates the detection limit and association constant of HnFQz for Mg(II) and were found to be 23.24 nM and 1.48 × 107 M−1 respectively. The practical application of receptor towards recognition of Mg(II) was explored through economically viable test strips and bio-imaging studies. The excellent outcome of present research suggests that the receptor HnFQz could act as an efficient Mg(II) test kit.