Phenylethylamine Derivative of Calix[4]arene Schiff Base for Fluorometric Detection of Zinc Ion

Abstract

As a Zn2+ fluorescent probe, we have designed and synthesized a new type of calixarene Schiff-base ligand (L) possessing a 1-phenylethylamine group as the fluorophore and the receptor. As only Zn2+ caused a significant increase in fluorescence emission intensity at 480 nm and the limit of detection (LOD) reached 4.8 x 10-7 M, the synthesized fluorescent probe L demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn2+ compared to other metal ions. In addition, the formation of a 1:1 complex between probe L and Zn2+ was determined. As a consequence, it was determined that probe L can be utilized for the detection and monitoring of Zn2+ in the environment.