A novel fluorescent thiacalix[4]arene-tetra-(quinoline-8-sulfonate) (TCTQ8S) was synthesized by condensation of thiacalix[4]arene (TCA) and 8-quinoline sulfonyl chloride(8QSC). TCTQ8S was characterized by ESI-MS, (1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR spectroscopic methods. TCTQ8S was found to be an efficient "turn-off" fluorescent sensor for the selective and sensitive recognition of Co(II) ions. The Job's plot measurement reveals a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. The designed chemosensor exhibited high selectivity toward Co(II) ions vs. other tested metal ions, with a detection limit of up to 1.038 × 10(-9) M. The binding constant and quantum yield for the complex were also determined. Molecular docking studies have been successfully performed to support 1:1 binding of TCTQ8S with the Co(II) metal ion. TCTQ8S was evaluated for real sample analysis on water sample for the detection of Co(II). Graphical Abstract Thiacalix derivatized fluorescent sensor for the selective detection of Co(II).
Keywords: 8-quinoline sulfonyl chloride; Cobalt (II); Fluorescence quenching; Molecular docking; Thiacalix[4]arene.