Solvent controlled sugar–rhodamine fluorescence sensor for Cu2+ detection

Abstract

A “turn-on” fluorescence probe for Cu²⁺ detection has been reported according to a Cu²⁺ triggered spirolactam ring-opening reaction. The probe is a double-responsive fluorescent and colorimetric Cu²⁺-specific sensor in aqueous solution containing 20% of acetonitrile with high selectivity and excellent sensitivity (limit of detection is 12 μg L⁻¹). Furthermore, the significant color changes visible to the naked eye at the concentration of 3 μM (ca. 0.20 mg L⁻¹) are about ten times lower than the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended level (2.0 mg L⁻¹) for Cu²⁺ ions in drinking water.