A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor based on furan-pyrene for selective and sensitive sensing Al³⁺

A new pyrene derivative BF bearing a furan group was synthesized via a one-step reaction as a colorimetric and ratiometric chemosensor for Al³⁺in ethanol–H₂O (9:1, v/v, pH 7.2, HEPES buffer) solution. This chemosensor could selectively recognize Al³⁺in the presence of other competing ions. Low limit of detection (LOD) and high association constant revealed its superior sensitivity and binding affinity toward Al³⁺. Besides, the probe BF performed perfectly in a reversibility test using EDTA. The mechanism of the interaction has been confirmed by¹H NMR titration. Importantly, chemosensor BF has also been utilized to detect Al³⁺on test paper strips, which showed its potential for practical applications.