Abstract
Herein, a novel N-(4-(tert-butyl)-phenyl)-2-chloroacetamide functionalized thiacalix[4]arene architecture, viz TCAN2PA has been synthesized and the sensing behaviour towards metal ions was explored. The probe, TCAN2PA displayed a “Turn-ON” fluorescence response towards Hg(II) ions in acetonitrile over a series of competing common metal ions. A bathochromic shift in absorption band along with a significant “Turn-ON” fluorescence behaviour of TCAN2PA was observed upon interaction with Hg(II) ions. The lower rim modification of thiacalixarene with N-(4-(tert-butyl)-phenyl)-2-chloroacetamide actively contributes toward the fluorescence property due to the presence of strong electron-donating aryl amido substituent. Fluorescence titration experiments were conducted to find out the limit of detection and to understand binding stoichiometry as well. The electron transfer interactions between the electron-rich TCAN2PA host with Hg(II) ions have been postulated which is also supported by computational modelling insights.
A multifunctional selective “turn-on” fluorescent chemosensor for detection of Group IIIA ions Al3+, Ga3+ and In3+
