Turn-off detection of Cr(III) with chelation enhanced fluorescence quenching effect by a naphthyl hydrazone Shiff base chemosensor

A thiophene substituted naphthyl hydrazone derivative NHT was synthesized using a one-step route for the detection of trivalent chromium (Cr 3+ ). UV–visible absorption and emission spectra, density functional theory calculations as well as 1 H NMR titration confirmed that the probe underwent a turn-off response via the chelation enhanced fluorescence quenching effect upon exposure to Cr 3+ and the NHT -Cr 3+ complex was formed at a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. NHT exhibited a fast response rate of 2.3 min in buffer solution and a relatively low limit of detection of 41 nM. In addition, the Schiff base chemosensor exhibited excellent selectivity with high affinity towards Cr 3+ in the presence of other competing cations. Bioimaging of the probe in PC3 cells further demonstrated the potential real life application of the probe in detecting Cr 3+ .