A Schiff base-derived new model compound for selective fluorescence sensing of Cu(II) and Zn(II) with ratiometric sensing potential: Synthesis, photophysics and mechanism of sensory action

摘要

A new Schiff base compound 2-[(naphthalen-1-ylmethylimino)-methyl]-naphthalen-1-ol (2N1YMN10) has been synthesized and characterized by ~1H NMR, ~(13)C NMR, DEPT, and FT-IR spectroscopy. A spectral deciphering of the photophysics of 2N1YMN10 has been undertaken by stationary absorption, emission and time-resolved emission techniques. A significantly low fluorescence yield of the compound has been realized in connection with photo-induced electron transfer (PET) to the naphthalene fluorophore unit from the imine receptor moiety. Subsequently, an assay for the transition metal ion-induced modulation of the fluorophore-receptor communication reveals the promising prospect of 2N1YMN10 to function as a fluorosensor for Cu~(2+) and Zn~(2+) ions selectively, through noticeable fluorescence enhancement. While perturbation of Cu~(2+)/Zn~(2+) ion-induced PET in 2N1YMN10 has been argued to be the operating mechanism behind the fluorescence enhancement, the selectivity for these two metal ions has been interpreted on the grounds of an appreciably strong binding interaction. Particularly noticeable aspects regarding the chemosensory activity of the compound are: (i) its selectivity for Cu~(2+) and Zn~(2+) ions, (ii) ratiometric sensing potential, (iii) the construction of a calibration curve for detection of Cu~(2+) and Zn~(2+), (iv) ability to detect the transition metal ions down to the level of micromolar concentration, (v) a simple synthetic route, (vi) exploring the function of an imine nitrogen as a receptor unit in the proposed PET mechanism.