Ninhydrin Thiourea Derivative as Chemosensor for Visual Detection of Cu(II) in Aqueous Medium

Abstract

Visual detection of Cu(II) is significant as copper predominantly exists as Cu(II) in an aqueous medium. In contrast to thiourea where Cu(II) will be reduced to Cu(I) and bind to sulphur, thiourea derivative of ninhydrin showed synergistic effect with acetate anion and chelate well with Cu(II) and its chemoreceptor properties were explored. Binding nature of chemo-sensor (receptor) is successfully exploited to prepare eco-friendly paper strips and slides for the visual detection of Cu(II) in a wastewater sample.