Simple C3-symmetric triaminoguanidine-triphenylamine conjugate as an efficient colorimetric sensor for Cu(II) and fluorescent sensor for Fe(III) ions

Abstract The design and construction of novel C3-symmetric triaminoguanidine-triphenylamine conjugate (L) have been demonstrated and it displays positive solvatochromic behaviour with an increase in solvent polarity. The probe L acts as a selective colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ ions over other metal ions. Further, it shows high selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions through turn-on fluorescence response. Moreover, the detection limits for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions were found to be within the allowable range of the World Health Organisation (30 μM). The real-time application of the probe was showed by paper strip experiments as well as detection of Fe3+ ions in pharmaceutical tablets.