A new green fluorescent tripod based on 1,8-naphthalimide. Detection ability for metal cations and protons and antimicrobial activity.

A new fluorescent tripod containing three symmetrical 1,8-naphthalimide units has been synthesized. The photophysical characteristics have been investigated in organic solvents of different polarity. The ability of the tripod to detect metal ions (Pb 2+ Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ and Cu 2+ ) has been investigated in acetonitrile solution. The influence of pH on the tripod fluorescence intensity has also been studied in an ethanol − water (1:4 v/v) solution. The antimicrobial activity of the new tripod was investigated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts using the agar diffusion method. The antimicrobial effect of the new compounds was also investigated upon their deposition on cotton fabric. The chemical structure of the tripod as a determining factor for its antimicrobial activity was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]