Selective sensing of Fe3+ based on fluorescence quenching by 2,6-bis(benzoxazolyl)pyridine with beta-cyclodextrin in neutral aqueous solution.

A selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensor (BBOZP-CD) for Fe(3+) was composed of water-soluble beta-cyclodextrins and 2,6-bis(benzoxazolyl)pyridine which was synthesized through the reaction of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and o-aminophenol catalyzed by polyphosphoric acid under microwave irradiation. The chemosensor BBOZP-CD for metal ions were carefully investigated by fluorescent quenching in present of metal ions. The result showed BBOZP-CD chemosensor was remarkable fluorescence quenching and a highly selectivity and sensitivity for Fe(3+) in neutral aqueous solution, and the other common metal ions did not notably disturb the detection of Fe(3+). Additionally, the effect of pH to the chemosensor for Fe(3+) was also studied. The result indicated the respond signals of BBOZP-CD to Fe(3+) was stable and hardly influenced while the pH value was greater than 3.6.