Selective recognition of Pr3+ based on fluorescence enhancement sensor

(E)-2-(1-(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L) has been used to detect trace amounts of praseodymium ion in acetonitrile-water solution (MeCN/H2O) by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescent probe undergoes fluorescent emission intensity enhancement upon binding to Pr(3+) ions in MeCN/H2O (9/1:v/v) solution. The fluorescence enhancement of L is attributed to a 1:1 complex formation between L and Pr(3+), which has been utilized as the basis for selective detection of Pr(3+). The sensor can be applied to the quantification of praseodymium ion with a linear range of 1.6×10(-7) to 1.0×10(-5) M. The limit of detection was 8.3×10(-8) M. The sensor exhibits high selectivity toward praseodymium ions in comparison with common metal ions. The proposed fluorescent sensor was successfully used for determination of Pr(3+) in water samples.