Synthesis and Spectral Properties of a Novel Fluorescent Probe for Zn2+ Based on a Benzoxazole Fluorophore

A novel turn-on fluorescent probe containing a benzoxazole fluorophore has been synthesised and its response to different metal ions has been investigated by spectrometry. The probe was highly selective and sensitive to Zn2+ and showed a complexation ratio towards Zn2+ of 1:1. It also exhibited a linear response range for Zn2+ from 0.3 to 4.8 μmol L−1 with a detection limit of 0.36 μmol L−1.