Chromogenic and fluorogenic sensing of Cu2+ based on coumarin

A new highly selective, reversible, chromogenic, and fluorogenic chemosensor (4) based on thiazole coumarin moieties for quantification of copper ions in aqueous-DMSO was designed and synthesized. The mechanism of fluorescence was based on ICT, which was modified by the introduction of an electron-donating diethylamino group making it chromogenic and increasing the binding affinity. The selectivity toward copper ions was not affected by the presence of representative alkali metals, alkali earth metals, or other transition metals. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.