Fluorometric sensing of Cu2+ ion with smart fluorescence light-up probe, triazolylpyrene (TNDMBPy)

We report the detection of Cu2+ ion with fluorescence light-up probe, triazolylpyrene (TNDMBPy). Thus, the probe showed a remarkable fluorescence enhancement of both the monomer and excimer emissions and a 2:1 probe-Cu2+ complexation with high selectivity and stability constant. Our probe is also capable of sensing SDS micelle-encapsulated-Cu2+ ion in aqueous media proving its potential practical utility. Formation of the excimer was also rationalized on the basis of DFT calculation.