Abstract
A new rhodamine 6G derivative R1 has been synthesized by condensation of rhodamine hydrazide and 6-hydroxymethyl-pyridine using microwave-assisted reaction. Naked-eye colorimetric and photo physical studies show the synthesized compound is selectively sensing Cu(2+) in CH(3)CN/H(2)O (9:1, v/v) solution. Upon coordination with Cu(2+) ion, the spirolactam of R1 is opened, which results in a formation of highly fluorescent complex and change in color of the solution. The Job's plot indicates 1:2 binding stoichiometry between Cu(2+) ion and R1. Limit of detection for Cu(2+) was determined to be 1.23 μM. The sensor was successfully applied to fluorescent imaging of Cu(2+) ion in living cells.