Detection of Al3 + and Zn2 + ions by 2-(5-methylthiazol-2-yliminomethyl)phenol

Aluminium chloride catalyses hydrolysis of 2-(5-methylthiazol-2-yliminomethyl)phenol (1). This reaction can be specifically used for detection of Al3 + ions in the presence of various other ions from the characteristic emission at 446 nm (λex = 365 nm). On the other hand selective emission of 2-(5-methylthiazol-2-yliminomethyl)phenol on interaction with zinc ions at 490 nm (λex = 365 nm) can be used to detect Zn2 + ions. The role of other ions such as Cu2 +, Hg2 +, and Sn2 + in the detections are discussed.