A macrocyclic piperazine linked extremely Zn2+ selective fluorescent chemosensor with bio-imaging and for H2PO4− sensing

Abstract A new macrocyclic fluorescent chemosensor piperazine coupled diimine phenol (PCDP) which forms extremely selective Zn(II) complex and thus builds up the platform for H 2 PO 4 − (DHP) sensing in mixed aqueous medium, has been designed and synthesized. The binding of PCDP with Zn 2+ and its displacement by DHP have been supported by DFT studies. The blue fluorescence in the PCDP–Zn complex is useful for bio-imaging. The fluorescence enhancement of PCDP on association with Zn 2+ ion is quenched sharply in the presence of intracellular DHP.