An Unsymmetric Salamo-like Chemosensor for Fuorescent Recognition of Zn2

A new unsymmetric tetradentate salamo-like chemical sensor H 2 L for fluorescent recognition of Zn 2+ has been designed and synthesized. The sensor can recognize Zn 2+ from other metal ions examined with selectivity, anti-interference, reliability and high sensitivity (LOD = 1.89 × 10 −6 M) in ethanol/H 2 O solution. The results of UV-Vis and fluorescent spectra analyses, X-ray crystallographic study and DMol 3 simulation and calculation (on Materials Studio) indicate that the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) recognition mechanism of the sensor H 2 L for Zn 2+ is of its hindered PET process. The sensor H 2 L for Zn 2+ has excellent fluorescence characteristics and has potential application value in biological and environmental systems.