A triphenylamine-isophorone-based “off–on” fluorescent and colorimetric probe for Cu2+

• A novel off–on fluorescent and colorimetric probe (L) was synthesized.
• Probe L had effectively selective and sensitive recognition toward Cu2+ in acetonitrile.
• The limit of detection of this probe was calculated as low as 1.568 × 10−6 M for Cu2+.

In this paper, a novel easily available off–on fluorescent and colorimetric probe based on triphenylamine-isophorone-based Schiff base was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, FTIR. A comprehensive analysis on recognition ability of the target product toward metal ions was conducted by ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence emission spectra. Results showed that the target product was stable in pH 5–9, and had effectively selective and sensitive recognition toward Cu2+ in acetonitrile, with no significant interference of other competitive metal ions. The limit of detection of this probe was calculated as low as 1.568 × 10−6 M for Cu2+.