Selective monitoring of Cu(II) with a fluorescence–on naphthalene–based probe in aqueous solution

Abstract

The novel naphthalene– and pyridine–containing Schiff base derivative L has been synthesized via one–pot reaction and its high selectivity for Cu2+ ions detection in nearly 100% aqueous buffer solution with fluorescence enhancement is reported. The 2: 1 complexation stoichiometry of L with Cu2+ was calculated from Job's plot and ESI–MS analysis. The limit of detection (LOD) of L for Cu2+ is 3.90 × 10−3 μM and the association constant (Ka) for Cu2+ binding with L is 1.38 × 105 M−2. Furthermore, the L–Cu2+ complex could be used as a highly selective fluorescent sensor for S2− detection without obvious interference in the presence of other anions.