Single chemosensor for sensing multiple analytes: Selective fluorogenic detection of Cu2+ and Br−

Abstract A tripodal receptor R1 with a combination of nitrogen and oxygen-based binding sites was designed and used for the selective determination of Cu 2+ . The fluorescence emission profile of R1 in the presence of Cu 2+ showed a marked enhancement in fluorescence intensity, indicating high selectivity among other metal ions. The R1 –Cu 2+ complex was further explored as a sensor for anion detection. Upon addition of Br − , switching to a fluorescence “off” state was observed. The Br − selectivity of the complex over a wide range of concentrations was observed via titrimetric analysis through changes in the emission spectra.