Detection of double analytes by employing new luminescent lanthanide probe

• 1,4-bis([1,10] phenanthroline-[5,6-d] imidazol-2-yl) benzene can effectively coordinate to Eu ions.
• BPIB-Eu complexes exhibit absorption and emission sensitivity to Cu2+.
• Fluoride ions also induced emission quenching of the Eu(III) luminescence.

The synthesis and spectroscopic features of 1,4-bis([1,10] phenanthroline-[5,6-d] imidazol-2-yl) benzene (BPIB) with its europium (III) complex have been described. Characteristic red emissions can be achieved upon the excitation at 369 nm. This compound exhibited ultraviolet absorption shifts as well as fluorescence emission quenching upon exposure to Cu2+ ions. Hence, it can be utilized as a responsive copper sensor in terms of double routes including naked-eye observation and fluorescent probing. In the case of anions, this sensor could be used for direct determination of F− in DMSO through fluorescence signal changes with satisfied results.