Selective Zn2+ sensing using a modified bipyridine complex

Abstract

A novel fluorescent Zn2+ sensor, 4-(pyridin-2-yl)-3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinoline (PPQ), has been designed, synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. PPQ exhibits superior detection of Zn2+ in the presence of various cations tested, including Cd2+ and Hg2+, via shifting its emission maxima and fluorescence intensity enhancement. An emission wavelength at 500 nm, ensures probable non-interference from cellular components while performing biological applications.