We report a structure of ferrocene-pyrene conjugate (1) comprising electro and photo-active dual-signaling units. In particular, 1 upon interaction with Cu(II), displays selectively one-photon fluorescence quenching, but it shows two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section 1230 GM (at 780 nm). Further, 1 displayed two irreversible oxidative waves at 0.39 V and 0.80 V (vs Ag/AgCl), in the electrochemical analysis which upon addition of Cu2+, led to the negative potential shift in both the oxidative waves to appear at 0.25 V and 0.68 V. The triple mode changes in presence of Cu(II) suggesting the possible application of 1 for the detection of Cu(II) in aqueous media. Graphical Abstract.
Keywords: Electrochemical response; Ferrocene; Fluorescence quenching; Pyrene; Two-photon absorption.