A Schiff base functioning as a highly selective colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ion

In this study, we employed a Schiff base ligand ( L = 6,6 ' -((1E,1 ' E)-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylbis(azanylylidene))bis (methanylylidene))bis(2,4-di- tert -butylphenol)) to serve as a chemosensor exclusively for detecting Cu 2 + ions over other metal ions and anions in a THF:H 2 O mixture (7:3, v/v). L exhibits an absorption band at 330 nm, which undergoes a bathochromic shift to 377 nm upon interaction with solely Cu 2 + ions, suggesting a restricted internal charge transfer process of L . Analysis via ESI-MS and Job 's plot confirmed a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio between L and Cu 2 + . L demonstrated the capability to detect Cu 2 + ions at a concentration as low as 0.46 mu M. Furthermore, we investigated the effectiveness of L in developing molecular logic gates and its applications in analyzing Cu 2 + in water samples.