A Novel Benzimidazole-Based Chemosensor for Fluorometric Determination of Zinc Ions

A simple and novel Schiff base chemosensor (BMHM) based on benzimidazole was synthesized. In ethanol–water (1:1, v/v) medium on varying concentrations of Zn2+ chemosensor exhibited a strong and quick turn on fluorescence response. The Zn2+ recognition was based on the Chelation–enhanced fluorescence effect. The binding constant and limit of detection for BMHM-Zn2+ complexation were estimated to be 7.99 × 104 M−1 and 0.148 µM, respectively. The extreme fluorescent enhancement caused by Zn2+ binding in chemosensor BMHM occurred at a pH range of 6–7. The practical use of chemosensor BMHM was tested by determination of Zn2+ in real water samples and comparing the results with the data obtained using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.