Exploration Research on Synthesis and Application of a New Dye Containing Di-2-picolyamine

A newly designed fluorescence dye L based on di-2-picolyamine (DPA) moiety as a chelator was obtained under the protection of N2 at 120°C, and KI as catalyst with relatively better yield. More interestingly, L not only could selectively and sensitively detect Cu2+ ions in aqueous medium but also examine the Cu2+ ions of the actual water samples. Nevertheless, L could be visual in Hela cells with excellent cell permeability, viz, monitoring exogenous Cu2+ ions as well as realizing an “on–off–on” process.