A simple hydrazone as a multianalyte (Cu, Al, Zn) sensor at different pH values and the resultant Al complex as a sensor for F.

A new colorimetric and fluorescence molecular chemosensor based on triazole hydrazone can be used as a multi-probe for selective detection of Al, Zn, and Cu by monitoring changes in the absorption and fluorescence spectral patterns. Results show that Al and Zn ions can induce remarkable fluorescence enhancement at pH 6.0 and pH 10.0, respectively, while the addition of Cu ions leads to a significant UV-visible absorption enhancement in the visible range at pH 6.0. In addition, the resultant Al complex could act as an 'on-off' fluorescence sensor for F. The fluorescence sensor was also used to monitor intracellular Al, Zn, and F in Hela cells.