Synthesis of Bis-tetraphenylethene as a Novel Turn-On Selective Zinc Sensor

The main purpose of this study is the synthesis of novel fluorescent Bis-TPE and the investigation of its wide range of photochemical behaviors. For this purpose, initially, Bis-TPE was synthesized. Following this, the interactions of Bis-TPE with a wide range of ions were studied in EtOH using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy. As a result of all UV-vis and fluorescence studies, it was determined that Bis-TPE showed turn-on sensor features against Zn²⁺ ions. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and K_a values of Bis-TPE/Zn²⁺ were calculated as 0.97 μM (970 nM) and 3.76 × 10⁵ M^-1, respectively. Moreover, all reversal studies resulted in switchable on/off variation of the alternative addition of ZnCl₂ and [Bu₄N]OH to Bis-TPE. This result also implies that the probe Bis-TPE also exhibits specific OH^- sensor properties in the presence of zinc.