A differentially selective molecular probe for detection of trivalent ions (Al(3+), Cr(3+) and Fe(3+)) upon single excitation in mixed aqueous medium.

A chemosensor was developed which could selectively detect and differentiate trivalent metal ions (Al(3+), Cr(3+) and Fe(3+)) upon single excitation at two different wavelengths in aqueous medium. This probe selectively detects trivalent ions in the presence of different metal ions in aqueous medium. It shows an excellent performance in the "dipstick" method.