A new simple Schiff base fluorescence “on” sensor for Al3+ and its living cell imaging

Abstract

The simple Schiff base (Z)-N-benzylidenenaphthalen-1-amine (L) acts as an effective fluorescence sensor for Al³⁺ by “off–on” mode, and ca. 42 times enhancement in fluorescence intensity is observed. The detection limit of L towards Al³⁺ is observed to be 5 × 10⁻⁵ M. UV/Visible and fluorescence data as well as DFT calculations confirm 1 : 3 coordination between Al³⁺ and L through N atoms in a pyramidal shape. L is employed for imaging the Al³⁺ ion in living biological cells and for the determination of the Al³⁺ ion in bovine serum albumin.