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Updated: May 20, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Copper(II) complexes as turn on fluorescent sensors for nitric oxide
Pankaj Kumar1, Apurba Kalita, Biplab Mondal
1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
Two novel copper(II) complexes were synthesized and found to detect nitric oxide. Their fluorescence is quenched by nitric oxide, indicating a potential sensor application.
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Copper complexes are widely studied for their diverse chemical properties and potential applications.
- Fluorescence quenching is a common method for detecting specific analytes.
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial biological signaling molecule with implications in various physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize two novel copper(II) complexes with tridentate N-donor ligands.
- To investigate the potential of these complexes as fluorescent sensors for nitric oxide.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind the observed fluorescence changes upon interaction with nitric oxide.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of copper(II) complexes using standard chemical techniques.
- Fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor changes in emission intensity.
- Electrochemical methods to study the redox behavior of the copper center.
Main Results:
- Two copper(II) complexes, designated 1 and 2, incorporating dansyl-based tridentate ligands were successfully synthesized and characterized.
- Complexes 1 and 2 exhibited quenched fluorescence in degassed methanol and buffered aqueous solutions.
- Exposure to nitric oxide led to the reappearance of fluorescence, indicating a sensitive detection mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized copper(II) complexes demonstrate potential as fluorescent probes for nitric oxide detection.
- The observed fluorescence recovery is attributed to the reduction of paramagnetic Cu(II) to diamagnetic Cu(I) by nitric oxide.
- These findings open avenues for developing novel chemosensors for nitric oxide monitoring.
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