Development of Colorimetric and Turn‐On Fluorescence Sensor for the Detection of Al 3+ and F − Ions: DNA Tracking and Practical Performance as Applications

In this study, a new probe is designed ( E )‐1‐(((5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol (NAATD) for dual colorimetric and turn‐on fluorescence chemosensor. Higher selectivity and sensitivity towards Al 3+ /F − ions over other competitive ions in DMSO solution were achieved. The detection limits were found to be 3.14 nM and 9.9 nM for Al 3+ and F − ions respectively. The sensing mechanism and stoichiometric ratio is investigated and affirmed by DFT calculations and Job's plot analysis respectively. The DNA tracking ability of the NAATD‐Al 3+ is investigated by fluorescence technique which indicates that DNA efficiently bind with the probe and displace Al 3+ ions. Finally, the practical utility of the probe was successfully demonstrated by using environmental water and tooth paste samples.