A novel “turn-on” fluorescent probe for Fe3+ in aqueous media based on CN isomerization

A new type of fluorescent probe (L) for Fe3+ based on CN isomerization was synthesized. It shows fluorescence enhancement (turn-on) response for Fe3+ in aqueous media (v(CH3CN):v(H2O) = 1:9). The complexation mode and the corresponding fluorescent enhancement mechanism were elucidated by IR spectra, transient spectra, Job plot, and DFT calculations.