Spectroscopic and theoretical studies on a novel bis(salamo)-like probe for highly effective fluorimetric-colorimetric identification of Fe3+ and Cu2+ in aquo-organic medium.

A novel bis(salamo)-like probe FT was successfully determined, it prescented fluorescent decreased phenomenon for Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions and colorimetric sensing ability towards Cu2+ ions, and excellent applicability were constructed in test filter paper to highly sensitive monitoring Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions. [Display omitted] • A novel and effective bis(salamo)-like probe FT was first successfully developed. • FT uses as a fluorescent ON-OFF probe for Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions. • Theoretical calculations were further applied to explore electronic properties. • FT was employed for monitoring Fe3+ and Cu2+ via test filter paper in real time. A novel bis(salamo)-type sensor FT for fluorescence-colorimetric recognition of Fe3+/Cu2+ has been created, which revealed significant fluorescent performance and colorimetric sensing ability for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions, superior to other related competitive metal ions. Interestingly, the binding of the FT probe with Cu2+ ions manifested an instant color change from colorless to red in sunlight, which is detectable by the naked-eye, and a fluorescence turn-off response under UV light for Fe3+ and Cu2+. The results demonstrated that the probe exhibits better sensitivity, greater affinity and lower limit of detection leading to quick response time in an aquo-organic medium. The excited state property of the FT probe and in the presence of Cu2+/Fe3+ was evaluated on the basis of DFT & TD-DFT results. Furthermore, test strips have been provided for convenient monitoring of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions by naked eye and fluorescence method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]