Synthesis and photophysical investigation of novel imidazole derivative an efficient multimodal chemosensor for Cu(II) and fluoride ions

Aminophenylbenzimidazole derivative of theonyl trifluoro acetone has been designed, synthesized and characterized to sense Cu(II) and fluoride ions. The probe showed very selective colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence changes with copper(II), turn-on fluorescence behavior with fluoride ions. ESI-MS analysis and jobs plots analysis provided the information about the interaction mode between Cu(II) and the probe. Density functional theory calculations carried out on the probe with/without Cu(II) and fluoride ions to support the observed photophysical changes. The Probe can be utilized to detect Cu(II) ions via electrochemical detection and hence it can be used to detect copper ions by multiple modes. The fluorescence and absorbance change with fluoride ions showing that the probe is very sensitive towards fluoride ions among other anions. The detection limits for the detection of Cu(II) and fluoride ions were found to be 23 nM and 0.54 nM respectively.

Automated summary

The designed and synthesized aminophenylbenzimidazole derivative of theonyl trifluoro acetone has shown selective colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence changes with copper(II), as well as turn-on fluorescence behavior with fluoride ions. The probe can detect copper ions via electrochemical detection and has high sensitivity towards fluoride ions among other anions, with detection limits found to be 23 nM for Cu(II) and 0.54 nM for fluoride ions.