A microscale metal-organic framework [Eu(atpt)(1.5)(phen)(H2O)](n) (H(2)atpt = 2-aminoterephthalic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) (Eu-MOF) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, luminescence spectrum, powder X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscope. The fluorescence response of Eu-MOF to metal ions and aldehydes showed that Eu-MOF is highly selective to Fe(III), Al(III) and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde (2-OH-NA). Eu-MOF could be utilized as a multifunctional fluorescence chemosensor for Fe(III), Al(III) and 2-hydroxy-l-naphthaldehyde (2-OH-NA). The detection limit of Fe(III), Al(III) and 2-OH-NA was 45, 10 and 36 mu M, respectively. The corresponding sensing mechanisms were explored. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.