A new rhodamine derivative-based chemosensor for highly selective and sensitive determination of Cu2+

A new rhodamine derivative (R1) has been synthesized by a hydrazone formation of rhodamine B hydrazide with pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and its binding affinity to metal ions were examined. R1 shows highly binding selectivity to Cu2+ over commonly coexistent metal ions in neutral aqueous-organic media including alkali, alkaline-earth and transition metals. The linear response to Cu2+ was obtained across the concentration range of 0.4–10 μM with the detection limit of 280 nM. Using newly synthesized probe R1, determination of Cu2+ concentration in drinking water and serums, and living cell imaging of Cu2+ were carried out. Also, by incorporating the R1 with filter paper, the sensor was performed in Cu2+ spiked samples.