A highly selective indole-based sensor for Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Al 3+ ions with multifunctional applications

We developed an indoline-based receptor ( R ) that selectively detects Al 3+ , Cu 2+ , and Zn 2+ via UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. R shows strong Zn 2+ sensing in C. elegans , and utility in logic gates and keypad lock systems.