A new fluorescent sensor based on oxadiazole and N,N-bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine was designed.
The sensor displayed sensitive fluorescence response “on–off” to Cu2+ and “on–off–on” for protons.
Fluorescence intensity showed good linear correlation with Cu2+ concentration from 5×10−7 M to 8×10−5 M.
The high concentration of metal ions and usual anions did not influence the selectivity for Cu2+.
The short response time of the sensor for Cu2+ (within 20 s) meets practical requirements.