A fluorescent sensor based on 1,2,1',2'- Tetra(methoxycarbonyl)- 3,3'- bis(p-methylbenzoyl)- 7,7'-bisindolizine (MBI) showing excellent selectivity towards Fe(3+) ions was developed. Under optimized experimental conditions, the fluorescence intensity of 1,2,1',2'- Tetramethoxycarbonyl- 3,3'- bis(p-methylbenzoyl)- 7,7'-bisindolizine was quenched linearly by Fe(3+) ions in the range of 2.00 × 10(-2) to 4.76 × 10(-3) M. The limit of detection was found to be 3.17 × 10(-3) M. The mechanism for quenching was investigated. The developed sensor was applied for the determination of Fe(3+) in pharmaceutical samples.
Keywords: Bisindolizine; Fe3+; Fluorescence quenching; Fluorescent sensor; Microwave synthesis.