The 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine based Schiff base (L) acts as an effective fluorescence sensor for the selective detection of maleic acid. The detection limit of L towards maleic acid is observed to be 1.29 × 10-7 M. A 1:1 binding stoichiometry between L and maleic acid was obtained using Bensi-Hilderbrand method. The binding constant (Ka) was measured to be 5.17 × 106 M-1. The sensing behavior of L was confirmed through analysis using FT-IR, DLS and SEM analysis, alongside DFT calculations. Theoretical assessments clearly suggest that the L's mono-protonation and complexation in the solvent medium are the primary mechanisms in the sensing process. Additionally, L is used to imaging the maleic acid in living cells, demonstrating its potential biological uses. In addition, recognition of maleic acid in food additives was reported.
Keywords: Cell imaging; Fluorescence; Food additives; Maleic acid; Schiff base.
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