Synthesis and photophysical behavior of a water-soluble coumarin-bearing polymer for proton and Ni2+ ion sensing

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many fluorescent chemosensors with various macromolecular structures have been prepared for the detection of protons or metal cations in the environment. Most of this research is focused on polymer sensors with fluorescent recognition sites in the main chain. In this case, the fluorescent recognition sites are covalently bonded to the polymer chain, and thus the polymer shows photophysical properties as a chemosensor for protons and metal ions. RESULTS: An acrylic monomer bearing coumarin moieties, 7‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐8‐(4′‐acryloylpiperazin‐1′‐yl)methylcoumarin, was synthesized. This was then copolymerized with N‐vinylpyrrolidone to obtain a blue fluorescent material. The fluorescent copolymer has good solubility in aqueous solution. Its main photophysical properties were determined in relation to its use as a sensor for protons and metal cations. It is an efficient ‘off‐on’ switcher for pH between 3.02 and 12.08. Additionally, the polymer sensor is selective to Ni2+ ions, with the increase in the fluorescence intensity depending on Ni2+ ion concentrations in the range 0.33 × 10−5–7.67 × 10−5 mol L−1. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this copolymer may offer potential as a reusable polymer sensor for protons and Ni2+ ions in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry