A highly selective colorimetric fluorescence probe for Cu2+ in aqueous media: the synthesis, DFT investigation and its application in living cells

A novel highly selective colorimetric fluorescence probe POPH has been successfully synthesized and shown remarkable selective and sensitive response for Cu2+ in aqueous media (HEPES buffer, pH = 7.4). The fluorescence of probe POPH was immediately decreased when 1.1 equiv. of Cu2+ was added to the solution of probe POPH, accompanied with color change from wathet blue to colorless under a 365 nm UV lamp illumination. The possible bonding model of probe POPH with Cu2+ was examined through HRMS, FESEM, TEM, FTIR and DFT calculations. Moreover, the probe POPH could be used for monitoring of Cu2+ in the living cell using Laser scanning confocal microscopy.