Label‐Free Detection of Unbound Bilirubin and Nitrophenol Explosives in Water by a Mechanosynthesized Dual Functional Zinc Complex: Recognition of Picric Acid in Various Common Organic Media

Abstract

High levels of unconjugated bilirubin (UB) in serum lead to asymptomatic and neonatal jaundice and brain dysfunctions. Herein, we have reported the detection of UB at as low as 1 μM in an aqueous alkaline medium using a Zn(II) complex. The specificity of the complex has been validated by the HPLC in the concentration window 6–90 μM, which is rare. The sensory response of the probe at physiological pH against nitro explosives developed it as an instant‐acting fluorosensor for picric acid (PA) and 2,4‐dinitrophenol (2,4‐DNP). Spectroscopic titration provided a binding constant of 4×105 M−1 with PA. The naked eye detection was found to be 15 μM. The solid‐state photoluminescent nature of the complex enabled it for PA sensing in the solid phase. Interestingly, the probe remained fluorescent in various volatile and non‐volatile organic solvents. As a result, it can also detect PA and 2,4‐DNP in a wide range of common organic media. NMR studies revealed the coordination of PA, 2,4‐DNP, and UB to the Zn(II) center of the probe, which is responsible for the observed quenching of the probe with the analytes.