Benzothiazole-based heterodipodal chemosensor for CU2+ and CN– ions in aqueous media

Abstract

A simple and selective chemosensor, A, was developed for recognizing Cu2+. The emission spectra of receptor A showed a fluorescence quenching response upon addition of Cu2+ with a low detection limit of 4.51 nM, significantly less than the WHO recommended guideline for drinking water. In addition, the formed A∙Cu2+ complex was examined for secondary sensing of anions. The A∙Cu2+ complex showed selectivity for CN– via a recovering emission profile of A.