Novel fluorescent cyanide-selective chemosensor based on a functionalised pillar[5]arene copper(II) complex

Abstract

As a novel macrocyclic host, pillar[5]arene can selectively recognise guest molecules in organic solvents. In this study, a fluorescent chemosensor composed of a functionalised-pillar[5]arene and Cu2+ metal complex (PN–Cu), which shows good selectivity for CN− anions, has been designed and synthesised. Complexation between PN–Cu and anions has been probed by means of various fluorescence-based methods. PN–Cu, as a turn-on fluorescence chemosensor showed high selectivity towards CN− ions in comparison to other anions, and its detection limit for CN− was calculated as 9.03 × 10−7 M. The PN–Cu sensor can serve as a recyclable component in sensing materials. Moreover, the interaction between the singly functionalised pillar[5]arene and Cu2+ has been probed through various tests. Based on the remarkable selectivity of the chemosensor PN–Cu, we propose that it might be used as a potential material for CN− recognition.