Synthesis, Characterization, Structure, and Selective Cu2+ Sensing Studies of an Alkynylgold(I) Complex Containing the Dipicolylamine Receptor

A novel DPA-containing alkynylgold(I) complex has been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized. The complex has been shown to exhibit rich photoluminescence property and to function as a selective sensor for Cu2+, as revealed by the large UV-vis change and significant emission quenching. The recognition event was also found to show complete reversibility, with the revival of the luminescence signal upon addition of EDTA.