A novel chemosensor L based on coumarin Schiff-base was synthesized and investigated. Sensor L showed remarkable selectivity for Al3+ in Tris–HCl aqueous buffer solution (pH 7.2), and the selectivity was not affected by the presence of a large excess of other competitive ions. The sensor responded rapidly to Al3+ in aqueous solutions with a 2:1 stoichiometry. Meanwhile, it indicated significant improvement of quantum efficiency and ideal fluorescent lifetime.
