A selective fluorescent probe for the detection of Cd²⁺ in different buffer solutions and water

A simple fluorescent probe NHQ based on quinoline was successfully prepared via one-step synthesis. The probe NHQ exhibited "turn-on" fluorescence and excellent selectivity toward Cd²⁺ in different buffer solutions such as Tris-HCl buffer solution, HEPES buffer solution, and PBS buffer solution, and even in water. Moreover, the binding model of NHQ with Cd²⁺ was definitely confirmed by the single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the complex.