A novel
coumarin derivative (
5
) was synthesized and
used as a colorimetric and fluorescent probe for selective detection
of Cu
2+
ions in the presence of other metal ions, with
the detection limits of 5.7 and 4.0 ppb, respectively. Cu
2+
ion reacts with probe
5
to form a 1:1 stoichiometry
complex, resulting in a remarkable redshift of absorption maximum
from 460 to 510 nm, as well as almost completely quenching fluorescence
intensity of probe
5
at the wavelength of 536 nm. These
changes can be distinctly observed by naked eyes. In addition, the
working pH range of probe
5
is wide and suitable for
physiological conditions, thus probe
5
may be used for
detection of Cu
2+
ions in living cells. The stable structures
of probe
5
and its 1:1 complex with Cu
2+
ion
were optimized at the PBE0/6-31+G(d) level of theory. The presence
and characteristics of bonds in compounds were studied through atoms
in a molecule and natural bond orbital analysis. The formation of
the complex led to a strong transfer of electron density from probe
5
as a ligand to Cu
2+
ion, resulting in breaking
the π-electron conjugated system, which is the cause of fluorescence
quenching and color change of
5-
Cu
2+
complex.