A novel sensitive turn-on fluorescent Zn2+ chemosensor based on an easy to prepare C3-symmetric Schiff-base derivative in 100% aqueous solution.

A C(3)-symmetric Schiff-base example of the new simple, low cost, highly water soluble, and sensitive turn-on fluorescent Zn(2+) chemosensor is described. The sensor was successfully applied to the detection of intracellular Zn(2+). Moreover, the sensor could also serve as a potential recyclable component in sensing materials. Notably, the color change is so obvious that all of the recycling process can be seen clearly by the naked eye.