Smart Probe for Multianalyte Signaling: Solvent Dependent Selective Recognition of I–

An azine based smart probe is developed for the naked eye and fluorescence recognition of I–. In both modes, the probe shows intense red color in the presence of I– in THF. Moreover, the probe shows solvent dependent multiple signaling, viz., green emission with Al3+ in aqueous methanol and ratiometric yellow emission with Zn2+ in DMSO. The structure of the hydrazine precursor of the probe has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray structure.The probe can detect as low as 1.2 × 10–7 M I–, 6.8 × 10–8 M Al3+, and 5.7 × 10–8 M Zn2+, whereas respective association constants are 3.6× 104 M–1, 5.2 × 104 M–1, and 7.9 × 104 M–1. Common ions do not interfere. Routine Al3+ and Zn2+ imaging in human breast cancer cell, MCF7, under fluorescence microscope has also been performed. The developed method is used for analysis of real samples.