Single chemosensor for highly selective colorimetric and fluorometric dual sensing of Cu(II) as well as ‘NIRF’ to acetate ion

A novel fluorescent probe for the copper(II) ion in mixed aqueous media, based on fluorescence quenching mechanism with noticeable color change from light to dark yellow, was designed and synthesized. It also exhibited high selectivity for acetate in acetonitrile over other common anions in the near infrared region (NIR) accompanied with exciting color changes from light yellow to pink. Hence sensor 1 ascertains its dual chemosensing ability toward Cu(II) and acetate ions as evidenced by competitive experiments.