A new tetra triazole functionalized calix[4]resorcinarene macrocycle (5) is synthesized
and utilized for the detection of copper ions in the aqueous medium. The photophysical
potential of compound (5) is examined by a range of cations (Ba2+, Ca2+, Co2+,
Hg2+, K+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Na+, NH4
+ and Pd2+). The triazole based calix[4]resorcinarene macrocycle
(5) has interacted with Cu2+ ion in preference of other cations. A significant
quenching has been observed after the addition of 15 μM Cu2+ ion solution, which produced
4.2 folds drift in the absorption intensity of compound (5). Tetra triazole functionalized
calix[4]resorcinarene macrocycle showed high selectivity towards copper ion chemosensing
without any interference in competitive studies. The pH studies of compound
(5) with Cu2+ indicated the maximum chelation between 7- 7.5 pH. The compound (5) is
capable to recognize Cu2+ at 1 μM detectable limit. Copper ion was detected in tap water with 15 μM concentration.
Job’s plot showed 1:2 binding ratio between macrocycle (5) and Cu2+.