Fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ cations based on a 4-methoxy-1,8-naphthalimide derivative containing a dipicolylamine receptor fragment

A previously undescribed fluorescent sensor for zinc cations based on a 4-methoxynaphthalimide fluorophore and a receptor fragment represented by a dipicolylamine derivative was synthesized, and its spectral and luminescent properties were studied. The resulting fluorescent sensor demonstrated fluorescence enhancement upon complexation with Zn2+ cations due to the formation of ligand—metal complexes with a composition of 1: 1, in which the electron transfer process is suppressed.