Ratiometric Fluorescent Determination of the Zinc Ion Using a Terpyridine Derivative

Zinc is essential for normal growth and development, and hence selective recognition and detection for zinc has been a significant area of research. Here 4′-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine is described for the ratiometric fluorescence quantification of zinc ion with high selectivity. The fluorescence of 4′-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine at 406 nm was quenched in the presence of zinc, and a new emission band appeared at 452 nm. The ratiometric method for the determination of zinc ion was based on the dual fluorescence measurements at 406 and 452 nm. This fluorescence response is caused by the formation of a 1:1 complex between 4′-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and the zinc(II) ion. The analytical figures of merit for the protocol were obtained. The linear dynamic range extended for zinc concentrations from 3.0 to 40.0 µmol/L with a limit of detection of 0.28 µmol/L. Zinc was determined in water with satisfactory results.