The Schiff Base Probe With J-aggregation Induced Emission for Selective Detection of Cu²

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Schiff bases are versatile organic compounds with diverse applications.
• Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) is a photophysical phenomenon with potential in sensing.
• Copper ions (Cu2+) are essential but toxic, requiring sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel Schiff bases with varying phenyl ring substitutions.
• To investigate the fluorescence properties, including aggregation-induced emission (AIE).
• To develop a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for copper ion (Cu2+) detection.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Schiff bases (3a-c) via condensation reactions.
• Structural elucidation using FT-IR, NMR, MALDI-MS, and elemental analysis.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy to study aggregation effects and copper ion sensing.

Main Results:

• Schiff bases 3a-c were synthesized in high yields (89-92%).
• Compounds 3a and 3b showed aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), while 3c exhibited AIE.
• Compound 3c demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for Cu2+ detection with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.35 × 10-8 M.
• Complexation studies indicated a 2:1 ratio between probe 3c and Cu2+.
• Probe 3c was successfully applied for Cu2+ determination in real aqueous samples.

Conclusions:

• Novel Schiff bases with tunable fluorescence properties were successfully synthesized.
• Compound 3c acts as an effective AIE-based fluorescent probe for sensitive and selective Cu2+ detection.
• The developed probe shows promise for practical applications in environmental and biological monitoring of copper ions.