An imidazole-based fluorescent probe for cupric ion

A simple imidazole derivative modified with triphenylamine and fluorobenzene groups (MZ-F) was synthesized through one-pot multi-component ring-formation condensation. In the presence of copper ions, the acetonitrile solution of MZ-F showed a new absorption peak at longer wavelength and at the same time the fluorescence of MZ-F solution was quenched substantially. Photoluminescence spectroscopic titration showed that MZ-F formed a 1:1 complex with Cu2+ and the detection limit reached 3.93 x 10-6 mol/L. Meanwhile, MZ-F demonstrates high selectivity for sensing copper ions.

Automated summary

In this study, a simple imidazole derivative MZ-F was synthesized and showed high sensitivity and selectivity for sensing copper ions through the formation of a 1:1 complex with Cu2+ with a detection limit of 3.93 x 10-6 mol/L.