Supramolecular control over recognition and efficient detection of picric acid

Bimetallic Schiff-base Al3+ complexes bearing ester functions at the periphery of the ligands are shown to be efficient fluorescent chemosensors for picric acid detection. The prominent role of an association between the chemosensor and the picric acid in the detection process is demonstrated. The detection of picric acid in water is achieved with the sensor deposited on paper.