Fluorescence sensing of Cu within a pseudo 18-crown-6 cavity

We report herein a pseudo-crown based fluorescent receptor (1) for the selective detection of Cu²⁺ cation. Receptor 1 can detect Cu²⁺ even in 5 μM level in acetonitrile-water (9:1 v/v). Compound 1 is very effective for the detection of Cu²⁺ amongst the series of metal ions studied (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Mn²⁺).