Calix[4]pyrrole virtuous sensor: a selective and sensitive recognition for Pb(II) ions by spectroscopic and computational study

A novel supramolecular sensor derived from calix[4]pyrrole system i.e. calix[4]pyrrole bearing aminoanthraquinone derivative (CAAQ) have been designed and synthesized. The complexation behavior of metal cations [Ag(I), Ba(II), Ca(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Hg(II), Cu(II), Cr(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), (1 × 10−4 M)] with CAAQ (1 × 10−6 M) was studied by spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry. Metal ion like Pb(II) produces red shift in absorption spectra and quenching in emission spectra likelihood of strong complexation of Pb(II) ions with CAAQ. Fluorescence cell imaging also supports the complexation of Pb(II) ions with CAAQ. The binding constants, quantum yield, stoichiometry of complex, mechanism of quenching by Stern–Volmer equation and Density functional theory calculation have been determined.