A new and efficient chemodosimeter for ferric ions has been developed. The visual and fluorescent behaviors of the compound toward various metal ions were investigated: ferric ions are distinguished from other cations by selective color change and unusual fluorescence enhancement in mixed aqueous solution. Fluorescence microscopy experiments showed that this receptor is effective for detection of Fe(3+) in vitro, developing a good image of the biological organelles. The sensing mechanism is shown to involve a hydrolysis process.
Keywords: Cell imaging; Chemodosimeter; Ferric ion detection; Fluorescence microscopy; Schiff base.