A novel fluorescent probe (dtpa-bis(cytosine)) for detection of Eu(III) in rare earth metal ions

The design and synthesis of a novel fluorescence probe, dtpa-bis(cytosine) (dtpa-BC), for detecting Eu3 + were carried out. Upon addition of Eu3 + into dtpa-BC solution, the fluorescence intensity was strongly enhanced. Adding other rare earth metal ions, the fluorescence intensity would be decreased obviously. The parameters that affect the fluorescence intensity of dtpa-BC solution in the presence of Eu3 + were investigated, including solution pH value, Eu3 + concentration and interfering substances. Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence emission intensities of EuIII-dtpa-BC at 375 nm in the range of 0.50-5.00 × 10− 5 mol ∙ L− 1 of Eu3 + display a better linear relationship. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined as 8.65 × 10− 8 mol ∙ L− 1. It was found that the proposed method using dtpa-BC could be applied for sensitively and selectively detecting the Eu3 +.196