Development of fluorescent lead II sensor based on an anthracene derived chalcone

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Development of selective fluorescent chemosensors is crucial for environmental monitoring.
• Chalcones are versatile organic compounds with potential applications in sensing.
• Anthracene derivatives offer unique photophysical properties for fluorescent probes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel anthracene-based chalcone.
• To evaluate its efficacy as a fluorescent chemosensor for lead ions (Pb2+).
• To investigate the sensing mechanism and selectivity in aqueous media.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of the chalcone via condensation reaction between pyridine 2-carboxaldehyde and 9-acetyl anthracene.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor the response to Pb2+.
• Investigation of the sensing mechanism, including photo-induced electron transfer (PET).
• Testing selectivity against other common metal ions.

Main Results:

• A simple anthracene-based chalcone (compound 1) was successfully synthesized.
• The chemosensor exhibits sensitive fluorescence quenching upon binding with Pb2+ in aqueous solution.
• The Pb2+ recognition mechanism is attributed to photo-induced electron transfer (PET).
• The sensor demonstrates excellent selectivity for Pb2+ over other tested metal ions.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized chalcone serves as an effective fluorescent chemosensor for Pb2+ detection.
• The PET mechanism ensures high selectivity, minimizing interference from other ions.
• This sensor offers a promising tool for lead ion determination in various samples.