Synthesis and characterization of 9-(cycloheptatrienylidene)fluorene derivatives: New fluorescent chemosensors for detection of Fe3+ and Cu2+

Novel fluorescenct chemosensors for Cu2+ and Fe3+ based on 9-(cycloheptatrienylidene)fluorene derivatives (1 and 2) were prepared and characterized. 1 displayed quenched emission when either Cu2+ or Fe3+ was added into its acetonitrile solution, while 2 could successfully identify Fe3+ or Cu2+ by enhanced emission with addition of Fe3+ in its methanol or with addition of Cu2+ in its acetonitrile solution.