Substituent-dependent fluorescent sensors for zinc ions based on carboxamidoquinoline

A series of carboxamidoquinoline-based fluorescent sensors (the AQZ family) were synthesized and characterized. The AQZ family members were highly soluble in water and showed good selectivity for Zn2+ via enhanced fluorescence in aqueous buffer solution. Fluorescence signals could be tuned from dual-wavelength ratiometric changes to changes in the intensity of a single wavelength upon binding Zn2+ through the introduction of different substituents onto the quinoline ring. Concentrations of free Zn2+ of 10(-5)-10(-6) M could be detected using the sensors. Changes of substituents and their positions on the quinoline ring influenced the sensitivity for Zn2+, but had little effect on Zn2+ affinities.