Ferrocene based chemosensor for Cu2+—A dual channel signaling system

A new ferrocene based molecule behaves as a dual channel signaling chemosensor for Cu2+ over other metal ions. The perturbations in the absorption pattern and electrochemical behavior of the chemosensor are presented. These have been proposed to be caused by the interaction of Cu2+ with the d-electrons and the electron rich π-system of the ferrocenyl derivative. The sensing event is manifested by a high energy shift in the ligand centered π–π* absorption and appearance of a new redox wave at more positive potential, in addition to Fe(II)/Fe(III) couple wave (two wave electrochemical behavior).