A novel colorimetric detection probe for copper(II) ions based on a Schiff base

• Chelation effect of probe towards Cu2+ ions was investigated by colorimetric, UV–vis, electrochemistry, 1H NMR.
• Highly selective and sensitive chemosensor towards Cu2+ ions over other metal ions.
• Serves as reversible colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ using a strong chelator such as EDTA.
• Provide naked-eye detection for Cu2+ in a wide pH range.

A novel Schiff base moiety 1 was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, NMR and HRMS. The selectivity and sensitivity of 1 toward Cu2+ ions was investigated by colorimetric, UV–vis, electrochemical, proton NMR experiments. It exhibits highly selective and sensitive recognition toward Cu2+ ion over other metal ions in a wide pH range. The complex formed between 1 and Cu2+ was found to be 1:1 stoichiometry with an association constant of 1.0 × 106 M−1.

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