A simple quinoline derivatized thiosemicarbazone as a colorimetic and fluorescent sensor for relay recognition of Cu2+ and sulfide in aqueous solution

A new quinoline derivatized thiosemicarbazone (1) was designed and synthesized as a colorimetric and fluorescent sensor. Sensor 1 displays highly selective and sensitive recognition to Cu2+ in aqueous solution (1% DMSO, HEPES 20 mM, pH = 7.4) via significant color and fluorescence changes. The on-site generated 1-Cu2+ complex exhibits high selectivity toward S2- over other anions and thiol-containing amino acids. The Cu2+ and S2- recognition processes are quick and reversible. Thus, rapid and highly selective relay recognition of Cu2+ and S2- by sensor 1 in aqueous solution has been achieved. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.