Dihydroquinoline Based Colorimetric Probe for Copper(II): Selective Detection to Catalytic C─N Coupling Reaction

Abstract

A small molecular organic chemosensor was rationally designed and synthesized for the colorimetric detection of Cu(II) ions in aqueous medium. Systematic spectroscopic screening against a wide range of metal cations and anions demonstrated a pronounced and selective response toward Cu(II). In addition to the sensing capability, the in situ formed Cu(II)–probe complex exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the Chan–Evans–Lam (CEL) coupling reaction. The substrate scope was studied with respect to various amines and arylboronic acids under aqueous conditions. This study establishes the dual functionality of the probe, which acts both as a selective Cu(II) chemosensor and as an effective ligand for catalytic CEL coupling reaction. The successful integration of molecular sensing and catalysis in an aqueous medium underscores the potential of this environmentally benign system for the development of multifunctional chemical platforms.