Interpreted Recognition Process: A Highly Sensitive and Selective Luminescence Chemosensor

Abstract

A luminescence-sensing process based on coordination compound [H 2 N(CH 3) 2 ] 3 [Tb(dipic) 3 ] was developed. It shows fast response (within 1 min), high selectivity, and is ultrasensitive to detect Fe 3+ or Cr 3+ in aqueous solution and living cells (K SV values are calculated to be 3.6×10 4 L mol -1 for Fe 3+ and 1.9×10 4 L mol -1 for Cr 3+). The whole recognition process has been witnessed through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis, and the ligand-transfer-induced luminescence-quenching mechanism is interpreted. This work contributes to extend the potential applications of lanthanide coordination compounds (LnCCs) in the fields of biological and environmental technologies.