Easy, selective and colorimetric detection of Zn(II), Cu(II), F -ions by a new piperazine based Schiff base chemosensor along with molecular logic gate formation and live cell images study

A moderately fluorescence active Schiff base chemosensor (E)-4-Chloro-2-(((2-(perazine-1-yl)ethyl)imino) methyl)phenol (HL), based on piperazine platform, has been fabricated for selective, easy, colorimetric detection of two metal ions Cu(II) and Zn(II) and one anion F- among several competitive cations and anions. Impressively under UV light (lambda = 365 nm) the decent luminance property of HL is found to be more intensified after introduction of Zn(II) and a separate deep green colour is developed after addition of F- . But interestingly the luminescence color of the of HL becomes colorless after addition of Cu(II). The results analysis of fluorescence life time measurement, mass and NMR spectral study, the detector-probe binding constant values provide authentic hints regarding the bond formation among the chemosensor and recognized cations and anion. By implementing the Density Functional Theory (DFT) the structures of the host-guest complexes have been theoretically optimized. The bio sensing activity of HL has been confirmed by implementing the fluorescence live cell imaging study for Zn(II) sensing. By utilizing the presence of reversibility in Zn(II) sensing the molecular logic gate formation has been carried out. Finally the sensing phenomena of the chemosensor for effective F- ion detection are further utilized to detect this anion in drinking water.