Two highly sensitive and efficient salamo-like copper(II) complex probes for recognition of CN

Two salamo-like copper(II) complex probes, L1-Cu2+ and L2-Cu2+, were designed and synthesized for sensitive and efficient identification of CN−. UV spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry, RGB analysis and naked eye recognition were performed to explore their recognition mechanisms. High resolution mass spectra indicated that the probes L1-Cu2+ and L2-Cu2+ formed complexes with CN−. The two probes could recognize CN− by the naked eye and the color of the solution changed from light yellow to red. In terms of application, the contents of CN− in the environmental water samples were tested. In addition, the optimal pH ranges for probe detection of CN− were investigated by pH value measurement. Two salamo-like copper(II) complex chemical probes, L1-Cu2+ and L2-Cu2+, were designed and synthesized, which can specifically identify CN− in the visible region. Both probes can achieve naked eye recognition for CN− and can be applied to the detection of water samples in the environment. [Display omitted] •Two salamo-like copper(II) complex probes, L1-Cu2+ and L2-Cu2+, which can identify CN− by naked eye were designed and synthesized.•Among many anions, both probes can specifically recognize CN− in the visible region.•The recognition mechanism is that the probe can form new complex with CN− at a ratio of 1:1 and 1:4.•RGB analysis is tested for real-time monitoring of CN−.