A fluorescence-enhanced chemosensor based on multifarene[2,2] and its recognition of metal cations

A selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensor based on an anthracene-functionalized triazole-linked multifarene[2,2] was successfully synthesized and investigated with regard to the recognition of metal ions using fluorescence spectroscopy, 1H NMR titration, and IR spectroscopy. The proposed sensor exhibited desirable properties for potential fluorescence enhanced chemosensor applications, including selective affinity and low Zn2+ and Cd2+ detection limits compared with other metal ions. Quantum chemical calculations described the synthesized chemosensor's static structure and its coordination to Zn2+ and Cd2+. Frontier molecular orbital distribution and energy changes suggested a possible mechanism for increased receptor fluorescence intensity with Zn2+ and Cd2+ addition.