Abstract
A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for Al(3+) has been developed. The sensor shows great fluorescence turn-on upon binding Al(3+) in complete water, giving strong blue emission. In addition, the sensor's turn-on exhibits excellent selectivity to Al(3+) cation, with only a slight interference from Zn(2+). These findings suggest that the developed Al(3+) sensor could be a useful molecular probe for practical applications.