Multi responsive chemosensor for the determination of metal ions (Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions)

Single probe (DBA) showed sensing behaviour towards multi ions having their low LOD values and its practical applicability was executed in real environmental samples. [Display omitted] •A multi-responsive chemosensor DBA was synthesized and characterized.•Single probe exhibited sensing behaviour towards Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions with low LOD values.•The detection mechanism is supported by absorbance, fluorescence, job’s plot, HRMS, DFT.•Practical applicability was executed in different water samples. A multi-responsive Schiff-based chemosensor 3-[1-(benzylimino)ethyl]-2-hydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (DBA) was synthesized and characterized. Single probe (DBA) exhibited sensing behaviour towards Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions. The binding approach of DBA towards Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions was calculated on basis of jobs plot (1:1) and which was further confirmed on basis of the mass spectral technique. The detection limit of DBA towards Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions was found to be 6.82 × 10-7 M, 9.74 × 10-8 M, and 1.14 × 10-7 M respectively. DFT computational studies also validated the results obtained from absorption and emission studies. Time-resolved fluorescence data suggested that the copper complex was more stable as compared to the cobalt and zinc complex. The stability of complex formed by DBA with Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions were chequered by time-reliant studies. The synthesized Schiff base DBA can detect Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions over a wide pH range, and its practical applicability was effectively executed in environmental water samples.