A new Schiff base as a turn-off fluorescent sensor for Cu2+ and its photophysical properties.

A new Schiff base receptor 1 was synthesized and its photophysical properties were investigated by absorption, emission and excitation techniques. Furthermore, its chromogenic and fluorogenic sensing abilities towards various metal ions were examined. Receptor 1 selectively detects Cu2+ ion through fluorescence quenching and detection was not inhibited in the presence of other metal ions. From fluorescence titration, the limit of detection of receptor 1 as a fluorescent 'turn-off' sensor for the analysis of Cu2+ was estimated to be 0.35 μM.