A Novel 1,8-Naphthalimide-Based "Turn-on" Fluorescent Sensor for Fe3.

A new fluorescent sensor was designed and synthesized from 5-nitro-1,2-dihydroacenaphthylene, n-butyl amine and 1-(2-pyridyl)piperazine. In DMF/H2O (3:1, v/v), the sensor showed excellent selectivity and sensitivity to Fe3+ with fast fluorescence enhancement and good anti-interference ability. The maximal fluorescence intensity was linearly proportional to the Fe3+ concentration (60-140 μM). The detection limit was 81 nM. The sensor could work in a pH span of 5.0-8.0. A 1:1 complex was formed reversibly between the sensor and Fe3+.