Aggregation induced emissive pyrimido fused tetraphenylethene benzothiazole probe for sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+ ions

Abstract

The synthesis and photophysical properties of a novel pyrimido fused benzothiazole-tetraphenylethene (TPE-1) chromophore, incorporating both electron-donating (-SCH₃) and electron-withdrawing (-CN) groups, are reported. TPE-1 exhibits aggregation-induced emission (AIE), mechanochromic, and electrochemical characteristics. The recognition behavior of TPE-1 towards various metal cations is investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. TPE-1 shows a selective and sensitive response towards ferric (Fe³⁺) ion over other tested cations in DMSO: water (90:10, v/v ratio) with a limit of detection of 102 nM. Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) plot displayed dynamic and static quenching of TPE-1 with the addition of Fe³⁺ ions. Computational studies were performed to demonstrate the binding mode of TPE-1 towards Fe³⁺ ions. Most importantly, the application of TPE-1 in the detection of Fe³⁺ ions in various water sources showcases its promising utility in environmental monitoring and pollution control, underscoring its potential for substantial contributions to environmental chemistry and sensor technology.