A Significant Fluorescence Turn-On Probe for the Recognition of Al(3+) and Its Application

An easy prepared probe, BHMMP, was designed and synthesized, which displayed a significant fluorescence enhancement (over 38-fold) and obvious color change in the recognition of Al(3+). The binding ratio of probe BHMMP to Al(3+) was determined as 1:1, according to Job plot. The binding mechanism was fully clarified by the experiments, such as FT-IR spectrum, ESI–MS analysis, and (1)H NMR titration. A DFT study further confirmed the binding mode of BHMMP to Al(3+). The limit of detection (LOD) for Al(3+) was determined as low as 0.70 µM, based on the fluorescence titration of BHMMP. Moreover, the results from real sample experiments, including real water samples, test papers, and cell images, well-demonstrated that BHMMP was capable of sensing Al(3+) in environmental and biological systems.