An Imidazole-Functionalized Boron-Dipyrromethene Derivative for Spectrophotometric Fluorescence Detection of Fe2+ and Electrochemical Sensing of Cu2+
ChemistrySelect, vol.11, no.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 11 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1002/slct.202505412
- Journal Name: ChemistrySelect
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: BODIPY, Cu2+, electrochemical sensor, Fe2+, spectrophotometric sensor
- Isparta University of Applied Sciences Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
A novel Boron-dipyrromethene derivative (BODIPY-3) was synthesized by functionalizing the meso position of the BODIPY core with an imidazole-containing moiety and evaluated as both a spectrophotometric and electrochemical sensor. The spectrophotometric sensing behavior of BODIPY-3 toward Fe2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ ions was investigated. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a highly selective response to Fe2+, a moderate affinity for Fe3+, and a lower sensitivity toward Cu2+. Based on calibration studies, the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were determined as 28.665 µM and 95.551 µM for Fe2+, 30.999 µM and 103.331 µM for Fe3+, and 26.216 µM and 87.386 µM for Cu2+, respectively, with low relative standard deviation values, indicating good repeatability. For electrochemical sensing, pencil graphite electrodes were modified with polypyrrole and BODIPY-3 (BODIPY-3/PPy/PGE) via cyclic voltammetry. Differential pulse voltammetry enabled sensitive Cu2+ detection, yielding LOD and LOQ values of 0.069 ppm and 0.231 ppm, respectively. The applicability of the developed sensor was demonstrated using real water samples, with recovery values ranging from 94.67% to 102.86%. Overall, the results highlight the potential of imidazole-functionalized BODIPY-based systems for selective metal ion sensing, with demonstrated electrochemical sensing of Cu2+ and spectrophotometric detection of Fe2+, suggesting their applicability in environmental monitoring.