Calixarene capped ZnS quantum dots as an optical nanoprobe for detection and determination of menadioneElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2an35766f

In this communication we report a p -sulfonatocalix[4]arene coated ZnS quantum dots "cup type" highly stable optical probe for the detection and determination of menadione (VK 3 ) with high sensitivity and selectivity. The detection of VK 3 depends on supramolecular host-guest chemistry. In this communication we report a p -sulfonatocalix[4]arene coated ZnSQDs "cup type" highly stable optical probe for the detection of menadione (VK 3 ) with admirable sensitivity (80 nM) and selectivity. The detection of VK 3 depends on supramolecular host-guest chemistry. This probe is successfully applied to determine VK 3 in commercial products.