A simple low-molecular-mass organic gelator based on salicylaldehyde acylhydrazone: Gelation behavior and selective fluorescence sensing of Y3+.

A simple low-molecular-mass organic gelator based on salicylaldehyde acylhydrazone had been synthesized and carefully studied. This gelator could form a thermo-reversible supramolecular organogel in many solvents by self-assembling them into nanofibers. Notably, it could even solidify crude oil floating on seawater. Moreover, the gelator was triggered to form a yellow metallogel with blue-green fluorescence by adding Y3+. In addition, it could act as an efficient fluorescent probe for the selective sensing of Y3+ in the solution containing water. The detection limit of Y3+ was 1.039 μM. Furthermore, test strips containing this compound were prepared, successfully used for on-site monitoring of Y3+ in water. [Display omitted] • A simple gelator based on salicylaldehyde acylhydrazone has been developed. • The compound exhibits excellent gel properties, including solidifying crude oil. • The compound can act as a highly selective fluorescent probe for Y3+. • The test strip containing the compound can detect Y3+ in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]