A simple hydrazone as a multianalyte (Cu(2+), Al(3+), Zn(2+)) sensor at different pH values and the resultant Al(3+) complex as a sensor for F(−)

A new colorimetric and fluorescence molecular chemosensor based on triazole hydrazone can be used as a multi-probe for selective detection of Al(3+), Zn(2+), and Cu(2+) by monitoring changes in the absorption and fluorescence spectral patterns. Results show that Al(3+) and Zn(2+) ions can induce remarkable fluorescence enhancement at pH 6.0 and pH 10.0, respectively, while the addition of Cu(2+) ions leads to a significant UV-visible absorption enhancement in the visible range at pH 6.0. In addition, the resultant Al(3+) complex could act as an ‘on–off’ fluorescence sensor for F(−). The fluorescence sensor was also used to monitor intracellular Al(3+), Zn(2+), and F(−) in Hela cells.