Synthesis, structure, and properties of a novel naphthalene-derived fluorescent probe for the detection of Zn2+

A novel naphthalene-based schiff base (L) was synthesized as a good “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for recognizing of Zn2+. The probe showed excellent selectivity for Zn2+ over most other competing ions in DMF/H2O solution, which might be attributed to the chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism. The reaction stoichiometry 3:1 between L and Zn2+ was determined based on the Job’s plot and 1H NMR spectra. The binding constant of the complex was calculated to be 1.07 × 105 M−3 with a detection limit of 8.94 × 10-8 M. The time-response study displayed that fluorescence intensity rapidly boosted and reached the stable value in less than 1.0 min. Meanwhile, the potential application of L in actual samples for recognizing Zn2+ was investigated. These results indicated that L could be a favorable probe for Zn2+ detection.