Al3+ - Phenanthroline Xerogel for Dual Application: Catalyst for Knoevenagel Condensation and Fluorescent Chemosensor for Azo Dyes

New Al3+ metal co-ordinated organic xerogel (named AlPDAX) based on 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid is synthesized. Xerogel is characterized by TGA, FTIR, PXRD and SEM analysis. Xerogel AlPDAX is evaluated for its catalytic activity in Knoevenagel condensation reaction. It shows a good catalytic activity and recyclability even after 5 cycles. Xerogel being fluorescent in nature is also utilized as template for recognition of industrially relevant azo dyes with help of fluorescence spectroscopy. It was observed that most of the azo dyes were recognized by AlPDAX with preferential affinity towards brilliant yellow azo dye. The practical application of AlPDAX as azo dye chemosensor is also observed by evaluating the fluorescence behaviour of AlPDAX against mixture of ‘brilliant yellow’ azo dye and coloured food items in which azo dye are used as adulterants.