Near-infrared fluorescent amphiphilic Aza-BODIPY dye: Synthesis, solvatochromic properties, and selective detection of Cu2+

A new amphiphilic near-infrared aza-BODIPY dye bearing both hydrophobic alkyl and hydrophilic oligo-ethylene glycol chains was synthesized by facile click reaction. By introducing the electron-donating N,N-disubstituted amino groups into the molecular structure, the new dye show outstanding absorption and fluorescence characteristics, specifically, absorption wavelength up to 850 nm and emission up to 950 nm, and fluorescence quantum yield of 0.29. The solvatochromic properties of the new dye were investigated by UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of the dye were studied by electrochemical cyclic voltammetry. The application of this dye for the detection of metal ions was further studied. The results indicated selective binding ability of the dye for Cu2+ ions and revealed its promising application potential as a near-infrared fluorescence probe.