Fluorescence switch-on sensor for Cu²⁺ by an amide linked lower rim 1,3-bis(2-picolyl)amine derivative of calix[4]arene in aqueous methanol

Abstract

A highly selective fluorescence switch on sensor, L for detecting Cu²⁺ has been synthesized by introducing a bis-(2-picolyl)amine moiety at the lower rim of a calix[4]arene platform via amide linkage. Binding properties of L toward ten different biologically relevant Mⁿ⁺ ions have been studied by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy in methanol and aqueous methanol. L was found to detect Cu²⁺ selectively down to a concentration of 196 and 341 ppb, respectively, in methanol and 1:1 aqueous methanol even in the presence of other metal ions. The composition of the complex has been found to be 1:1 based on the Job plot and is further confirmed by ESI MS. The role of calix[4]arene platform as well as the pre-organized binding core in the selective recognition of Cu²⁺ has been demonstrated by studying appropriate reference molecules. The possible modes of binding of L with Cu²⁺ have been modeled by computational calculations. L and its Cu²⁺ complex could very well be differentiated based on the nano-structural features observed in SEM and AFM.