Quinoline-based highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe specific for Cd2+ detection in mixed aqueous media

Abstract

Quinoline-based fluorescent probe as a recognition unit was designed and synthesized in this study. The probe R1 displayed excellent selectivity and sensitivity for cadmium ions (Cd2+) over a wide range of metal ions in acetonitrile-water (MeCN-H2O) mixed solution. In order to better understand the recognition mechanism between probe and Cd2+, the density functional theory calculations were performed. Finally, the colorimetric experiment result was observed and conveniently monitored by the naked eye, and a visual detection limit of 4×10−6molL−1 was achieved. These experimental results indicated the promising potential of the probe to detect Cd2+ in biological system. Furthermore, the probe R1 was successfully used for the highly sensitive detection of Cd2+ in living cells.