Abstract
A luminescence-sensing process based on coordination compound [H2N(CH3)(2)](3)[Tb(dipic)(3)] was developed. It shows fast response (within 1min), high selectivity, and is ultrasensitive to detect Fe3+ or Cr3+ in aqueous solution and living cells (K-SV values are calculated to be 3.6x10(4)Lmol(-1) for Fe3+ and 1.9x10(4)Lmol(-1) for Cr3+). The whole recognition process has been witnessed through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis, and the ligand-transfer-induced luminescence-quenching mechanism is interpreted. This work contributes to extend the potential applications of lanthanide coordination compounds (LnCCs) in the fields of biological and environmental technologies.