Synthesis and recognition behaviour studies of benzimidazole derivative containing pyridine moiety

A new benzimidazole-based fluorescence sensor has been synthesized and fully studied by NMR, IR, mass spectrometry and elementary analysis. The UV-visible and fluorescence spectrum is used to investigate the photophysical properties of sensor 2 and evaluate the recognition behavior of cation identification. Sensor 2 exhibits a highly selective complexing ability towards Cu2+ over the other metal ions in acetonitrile solution. Sensor 2 can be used as a reversible sensor with good sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of Cu2+ ions in semi-aqueous solvent system. In addition, the detection limit was also calculated to be 3 nM for Cu2+ ions. The job's plot investigations demonstrate the coordination ratio (1:1) of the metal ion to the receptor. The sensing mechanism was explored using mass spectra, photophysical spectra and DFT studies. Sensor 2 has been successfully applied for the copper uptake in BY4741 yeast cells. Thus, the yeast cell assay confirmed the fluorescence behavior.

Automated summary

A new benzimidazole-based fluorescence sensor was synthesized and fully studied. The sensor exhibited a highly selective complexing ability towards Cu2+ and could be used as a reversible sensor with good sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of Cu2+ ions in a semi-aqueous solvent system.