Fluorescence sensing of Cu2+ within a pseudo 18-crown-6 cavity

We report herein a pseudo-crown based fluorescent receptor (1) for the selective detection of Cu2+ cation. Receptor 1 can detect Cu2+ even in 5 mu M level in acetonitrile-water (9:1 v/v). Compound 1 is very effective for the detection of Cu2+ amongst the series of metal ions studied (Li+, Na+ K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Mn2+). (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.