The invention relates to a probe for detecting
copper ions and
zinc ions. The probe is an
imine derivative of [5]
helicene. The
imine derivative is complexed with
copper ions, so that obvious absorption peaks appear in a visible light area, and the
copper ions can be detected by using an
ultraviolet-
visible spectrum. The
imine derivative is complexed with
zinc ions, so that
fluorescence is raised, and the
zinc ions can be detected by using a
fluorescence spectrum. A preparation method comprises the following steps: firstly, performing a reaction on a [5]
helicene compound with hydroxyl and
chloromethyl methyl ether; performing a reaction with
butyl lithium and DMF continuously to introduce a
formyl group on a ortho-position of hydroxyl; and performing a reaction with an amino compound continuously to generate the [5]
helicene imine derivative DC. The probe provided by the invention has the advantages that the prepared helicene derivative DC is simple and convenient to synthesize, high in yield, easy to prepare and suitable for amplified synthesis and actual production and application; bivalent copper ions can be detected by using the
ultraviolet-
visible spectrum, and the bivalent zinc ions can be detected by means of the
fluorescence method; the probe as a novel probe can be applied to the field of
ion detection; the probe is good in molecular selectivity and high in sensitivity, has the advantages of fast response and obvious phenomenon, and has a wide application prospect.