Ultrasensitive Optical Chemosensor for Cu(II) Detection

Herein, the main objective of this research is to design and synthesize a novel optical chemosensor, 2,6-Bis(4- dimethylaminophenyl)-4-(dicyanomethylene)-cyclohexane-1,1-dicarbo-nitrile (BDC), for detection of one of the most signifcant metal ions Cu(II). Tis novel fuorescent chemosensor exhibits unique optical properties with large Stokes shif (about 170 nm) approximately. Te fuorescence and UV–vis absorption performance among the BDC probe and Cu(II) ions were examined in 1:9 (v/v) methanol–HEPES bufer (pH = 7.2) solution. Also, BDC displays high selectivity for Cu(II) concerning other cations. Moreover, this probe provides high selectivity and sensitivity based on their fuorescence properties and recognition abilities within a detection limit of the Cu(II) contents (LOD 2.3 x 10−7 M). Te suggested mechanism of BDC sensor is attributed to the chelation process with Cu(II), to establish a 1:1 metal-ligand ratio complex with a binding constant (Kbind = 7.16 x 104 M−1). Te detection process is accompanied by quenching the main emission peak of the BDC at 571 nm. All the experimental data were collected to investigate the efects of several important parameters such as reversibility and the concentration limits. Besides, we study the interference of various metal ions on selectivity and detection capacity of this signifcant Cu (II) ion. Tis novel chemosensor shows ultrasensitive, fast tracing of Cu(II) in the physiological pH range (pH 7.2) and therefore may propose a novel promising method for the investigation of the biological functions of Cu(II) in living cells.