The chemosensor allows the fluorescence detection of Al3+ in the micromolar concentration range and with good selectivity over other common inorganic cations.
It works at physiological pH (7–7.4) in mixed aqueous (9:1, v/v DMF-water) medium like a practical sensor.
It is a reversible sensor so it can be repeatedly used to be cost effective.
Density functional theory explains the ICT mechanism.