A benzothiazole-based chemosensor for significant fluorescent turn-on and ratiometric detection of Al3+ and its application in cell imaging

Abstract Chemosensor Z including benzothiazole fluorophore was synthesized and characterized with NMR and HRMS spectroscopic techniques. Z exhibited fluorescence turn-on and ratiometric absorbance detection of Al 3+  ions based on the combination mechanism of CHEF and ESIPT processes. Moreover, the stiochiometry between Z and Al 3+  were determined 2:1 through job’s plot and HRMS, and the limit of detection was determined as 8.47 nM which was qualified in the detection of Al 3+  in drinking water. Especially, Z was achieved in fast identification the existence of Al 3+  by filter paper, and cell imaging in human stromal cell (HSC).