A selective colorimetric and red-emitting fluorometric probe for sequential detection of Cu2+ and H2S

Abstract

Abstract In this work, three anthraquione-based derivatives containing different heteroatoms (N, O or S) were designed, synthesized and characterized. The red fluorescence of compound AQ-NS was selectively quenched by Cu2+, and was exclusively recovered by the subsequent addition of S2−. Quenching and recovering the fluorescence accompanies with an obvious color change that could be easily observed by naked eyes. Various experiments demonstrated that the probe binding Cu2+ in a 1:1 ratio. In addition, the recyclability and reusability of AQ-NS towards Cu2+ and S2− was evaluated, and the probe shows robust response without significant loss of signals after several cycles of repeated addition of Cu2+ and S2−. Our results demonstrate that the probe AQ-NS can be used for detection of Cu2+ and S2− with high sensitivity and selectivity.