A selectively fluorescein-based colorimetric probe for detecting copper(II) ion

A novel fluorescein derivative 3-bromo-5-methylsalicylaldehyde fluorescein hydrazone (BMSFH) has been synthesized by reacting fluorescein hydrazide with 3-bromo-5-methylsalicylaldehyde and was developed as a new colorimetric probe for detection of Cu(2+). In the presence of Cu(2+) the BMSFH exhibits a rapid color change from colorless to yellow together with an obvious new band appeared at 502nm in the UV-vis absorption spectra. However, Other common alkali-, alkaline earth-, transition- and rare earth metal ions induced no or minimal spectral changes. This change is attributed to BMSFH via coordination with Cu(2+) in a 1:1 stoichiometry and this binding to Cu(2+) is reversible, as indicated by the bleaching of the color when the Cu(2+) is extracted with EDTA. Experimental results indicate that the BMSFH can provide a rapid, selective and sensitive response to Cu(2+) with a linear dynamic range 3.0-330μmol/L and can be used as a potential Cu(2+) colorimetric probe in aqueous solution.