A new fluorosensor based on bis-1,8-naphthalimide for metal cations and protons

The paper reports on the synthesis and spectral characteristics of a new fluorescent bis-1,8-disubstituted naphthalimide linked by a di-ethylenetriamine bridge (NI2TEA). The ability of the new compound to detect cations has been evaluated by monitoring spectrophotometrically the changes in the fluoresence intensity performed on its N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. The behaviour of the new compound has been tested in the presence of different metal cations: Fe3+, Cr3+, Mn2+, Sr2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Co2+. The results show clearly that only Fe3+ and Cr3+ cations are effectively detected. Besides, in N,N-di-methylformamide solution the NI2TEA can be used as a naked eye sensor for hydroxyl anions.