The X-ray structurally characterized naphthalene appended diformyl-p-cresol derivative () selectively detects Sn(2+) by both colorimetric and fluorescence methods. In the presence of Sn(2+), exhibits a monomer emission at 420 nm along with a strong red excimer emission at 582 nm in acetonitrile. The excimer formation highly depends on Sn(2+) concentration. The dynamic excimer, observed with up to 2.5 equivalents of Sn(2+), gradually converts to a static form above 2.5 equivalents of Sn(2+). Moreover, in a different solvent media, viz. in aqueous methanol, can also detect Al(3+) through the generation of intense green fluorescence. The photophysical interactions are rationalized by (1)H NMR, mass spectra, steady state and lifetime fluorescence measurements. DFT studies support the experimental findings.
