Single sensor for multiple analytes: fluorogenic detection of Al3+ in aqueous media and AcO− in organic media

A simple novel receptor, designed to have a combination of both oxygen and nitrogen-binding sites for metal ion and hydrogen bond donor sites for anion, was synthesised. The receptor has been explored for the selective detection of cation Al3+ over the other interfering metal ions and anion AcO− against a range of physiologically relevant anions in the fluorescence spectroscopy. The receptor shows a different response to aluminium and acetate in the emission spectra. The binding isotherm and detection limit demonstrate that the receptor is an excellent fluorometric probe for Al3+ and AcO− .