Single sensor for multiple analytes: fluorogenic detection of Al3+ in aqueous media and AcO- in organic media

A simple novel receptor, designed to have a combination of both oxygen and nitrogen-binding sites for metal ion and hydrogen bond donor sites for anion, was synthesised. The receptor has been explored for the selective detection of cation Al3+ over the other interfering metal ions and anion AcO- against a range of physiologically relevant anions in the fluorescence spectroscopy. The receptor shows a different response to aluminium and acetate in the emission spectra. The binding isotherm and detection limit demonstrate that the receptor is an excellent fluorometric probe for Al3+ and AcO-. Our receptor HNQ represents a Single sensor for multiple analytes'. A new array for the naked-eye' detection of cation (Al3+, blue colour) and anion (AcO-, green colour) in the emission spectra. The dual sensing to Al3+ and AcO- is rare.