A Cu2+-Selective Probe Based on Phenanthro-Imidazole Derivative

Abstract

A novel fluorescent Probe <b>1</b>, based on phenanthro-imidazole has been developed as an efficient chemosensor for the trace detection of copper ions (Cu²⁺). Probe <b>1</b> demonstrated sensitive fluorescence quenching upon binding with Cu²⁺ through 1:1 stoichiometric chelation. The detection limit for Cu²⁺ ions was projected through linear quenching fitting to be as low as 2.77 × 10^-8 M (or 1.77 ppb). The sensing response was highly selective towards Cu²⁺ with minimal influence from other common metal ions, facilitating the practical application of Probe <b>1</b> in trace detection.