1,8-Naphthalimide-based turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for Cu2+ and its application in bioimaging

Afluorescent chemosensor based on 1,8-naphthalimidewas synthesized for the specific detection of Cu2+. The presence of Cu2+ can induce a large blue shift in emission, which yield a naked-eye visible color change from yellow to blue. Other metal ions including heavy and transition metal ions have no effect on the response of the sensor to Cu2+, and the response to Cu2+ is applicable over a wide pH range. In addition, the chemosensor has been used for imaging of Cu2+ in living Hela cells with satisfying results.