A fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor for selective detection of aluminum in aqueous solution

We have synthesized a new Schiff base 1, which detects Al3+ through fluorescence and naked eye in aqueous solution. The sensor 1 exhibited selective and sensitive recognition toward Al3+ via significant fluorescence enhancement (31-fold). Moreover, it showed a significant color change from colorless to yellow. The complex formation was proposed to be 1:1 ratio, based on the Job plot, ESI-mass spectrometry analysis, H-1 NMR titration, and IR analysis. The detection limit was 1.00 mu M, which is below the WHO acceptable limit (1.85 mu M) in drinking water. In addition, the sensor 1 could be recyclable simply through treatment with a proper reagent such as EDTA. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.