Abstract
A novel turn-on fluorescent sensor based on a calix[4]arene with two coumarin units as fluorophores and iminogroups as ionophores on the upper rim has been synthesised. Its recognition properties towards heavy and transition metal ions have been studied by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry. The compound showed an enhanced fluorescent intensity in the presence of Fe3+ or Cr3+ ion, a high selectivity to Fe3+ or Cr3+ ions and a complexation ratio towards Fe3+ or Cr3+ of 1:1. The association constant for Fe3+ was 5.37×105 M−1 and for Cr3+ was 9.18×105 M−1.
