New phenazine based AIE probes for selective detection of aluminium(III) ions in presence of other trivalent metal ions in living cells

Abstract

Phenazine fluorophore based imidazole derivatives (S1 and S2) were synthesized and sensor studies were carried out with various cations. Aggregation induced emission (AIE) was observed selectively for Al3+ among other cations under study in case of both sensors. H-1 NMR titration supported the aggregation induced emission of S2 with Al3+. ESI mass spectra successfully confirmed the aggregate formation. SEM images clearly showed the aggregation of receptor induced by Al3+ in a flower-like fashion. AIE probe was successfully applied for bio-imaging of RAW264.7 cells.