A new versatile solvatochromic amino-macrocycle. From metal ions to cell sensing in solution and in the solid state

A new fluorescent NBD-polyaza-macrocycle sensor (L) was synthesized. The coordination of Cu(II) and Zn(II) in acetonitrile switches on the fluorescence with different emission wavelengths. Cu(II) complexes showed solid-state fluorescence. Both L and Cu-complex interact with human cell line (U937) highlighting the cell membrane by fluorescence microscopy.