Abstract

Bis-trpn [tris(3-aminopropyl)amine], capped dicopper complex of bicyclic cryptand L, 1, became a potential selective colorimetric chemosensor for azide anion. Complex 1 is generating a space inside the cylindrical cavity which will be opt for perfect linear recognition of azide anion through as N4-Cu⋯N3−⋯Cu-N4 axle. Naked eye colorimetric and UV–Vis spectrometric investigations shows the complex 1 has the capability of selective sensing of azide anion. The association constant and limits of detection (LoD) of complex 1 towards azide are found to be 2.754 × 103 M−1 and 1.91 × 10−6 M. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of selective colorimetric sensing of azide by a bis‑copper cryptate 1 via ideal linear orientation of N4-Cu⋯N3⋯Cu-N4 axle inside the cylindrical shaped cavity.