Fluorometric sensing of Cu ion with smart fluorescence light-up probe, triazolylpyrene (Py)

We report the detection of Cu²⁺ ion with fluorescence light-up probe, triazolylpyrene (^TNDMBPy). Thus, the probe showed a remarkable fluorescence enhancement of both of the monomer and excimer emissions and a 2:1 probe-Cu²⁺ complexation with high selectivity, high stability constant and low detection limit. Formation of the excimer was also rationalized on the basis of DFT calculation. Our probe is also capable of sensing SDS micelle-encapsulated-Cu²⁺ ion in aqueous media with high association constant, thus, showing its practical utility. Thus, our probe could be used as an efficient Cu²⁺ ion selective fluorescence light-up probe, and may find applications in chemical and biological systems.