Fluorescent Schiff Base Chemosensor for Selective Detection of Cu2+ Ions, DFT Analysis and Anti-Alzheimer Potential

In this work, a Schiff base chemosensor (6-hydroxy-N′-(pyren-1-ylmethylene)-2-naphthohydrazide) (HL) was synthesized, which can be used for the detection of Cu2+. This shows excellent selectivity towards Cu2+ ions at pH 7.4. The association constant (Ka) of the chemosensor for binding with Cu2+ was 1.16 × 104 M–1. Using the Benesi–Hildebrand relation, the stoichiometric ratio for complexation was found to be 1:1. The DFT method, the B3LYP functional and the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set were employed to calculate the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). Based on the docking investigation, the Schiff base exhibits the anti-Alzheimer capability when docked with the receptors AChE and BChE with a binding affinity of -14.6 kcal/mol and -12.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Druglike nature, medicinal chemistry friendliness, and multiple toxicological were predicted using free SwissADME software.