An efficient and sensitive chemosensor based on salicylhydrazide for naked-eye and fluorescent detection of Zn(2+)

We reported here the synthesis of a diarylethene with a 2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl hydrazine moiety (1O) for Zn(2+) recognition. The compound is easy to prepare with a high yield up to 85%. Compound 1O can act as a highly selective and specific fluorescent sensor for Zn(2+) without interference by other common metal ions. The LOD for Zn(2+) detection was determined to be 1.28 × 10(−6) mol L(−1). Meanwhile, 1O can be used as a naked-eye detector for the Zn(2+) ion with an obvious color change from colorless to olive. Based on the fluorescent properties of 1O, we constructed a logic circuit with four inputs of the combinational stimuli of UV/vis light and Zn(2+)/EDTA, and one output of fluorescence intensity.