Interpreted Recognition Process: A Highly Sensitive and Selective Luminescence Chemosensor

A luminescence-sensing process based on coordination compound [H2 N(CH3 )2 ]3 [Tb(dipic)3 ] was developed. It shows fast response (within 1 min), high selectivity, and is ultrasensitive to detect Fe(3+) or Cr(3+) in aqueous solution and living cells (KSV values are calculated to be 3.6×10(4) L mol(-1) for Fe(3+) and 1.9×10(4) L mol(-1) for Cr(3+) ). The whole recognition process has been witnessed through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis, and the ligand-transfer-induced luminescence-quenching mechanism is interpreted. This work contributes to extend the potential applications of lanthanide coordination compounds (LnCCs) in the fields of biological and environmental technologies.