Issue 5, 2014

Fluorescent sensing of 99Tc pertechnetate in water

Abstract

The selective binding of 99Tc pertechnetate (99TcO4) in water is a big challenge. Recently, our group reported on the p-xylyl aza-cryptand, as the first molecular receptor for 99TcO4 in aqueous solution. Here, we show that the introduction of a fluorescent unit in the azacryptand's framework leads to a new molecular system, able to selectively recognize and sense the pertechnetate anion at μM concentration. In water at pH 2, where the cage is in the hexaprotonated form, pertechnetate recognition is signalled by the quenching of the receptor's emission. Noticeably, environmentally ubiquitous anions, such as chloride, nitrate and sulfate do not interfere in the sensing, as they have no effect on our chemo-sensor's fluorescence. These unprecedented results are promising for the development of simple and smart devices for the recovery of 99TcO4 from contaminated aqueous solutions.

Graphical abstract: Fluorescent sensing of 99Tc pertechnetate in water

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
20 Dec 2013
Accepted
22 Jan 2014
First published
23 Jan 2014

Chem. Sci., 2014,5, 1820-1826

Author version available

Fluorescent sensing of 99Tc pertechnetate in water

V. Amendola, G. Bergamaschi, M. Boiocchi, R. Alberto and H. Braband, Chem. Sci., 2014, 5, 1820 DOI: 10.1039/C3SC53504E

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