Naphthalenediimide amphiphile based colorimetric probe for recognition of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions

An efficient and highly selective naphthalenediimide based probe has been synthesised for sensitive detection of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions. The significant changes in UV-vis absorption band of naphthalenediimide amphiphile (NDI-A) at 430 nm indicates the selective detection of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions as compared to other metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+, Ba2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Cr3+) studied. The receptor NDI-A is a facile, cost-effective and colorimetric sensing platform to determine trace amount of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions.