The invention discloses a visual probe 3aa for detecting copper ions, which is characterized in that the chemical name of the visual probe 3aa is 2-amino-5-anilino-[1, 4] benzoquinone-4-phenyleneimine, the molecular formula of the visual probe 3aa is C18H15N3O, compounds 2-aminophenol and aniline are used as template substrates, NH4I is used as a medium, LiClO4 is used as an electrolyte, acetonitrile is used as a solvent, the reaction is carried out under the condition of room temperature, and the reaction is carried out under the conditions of high temperature and low temperature, so that the visual probe 3aa is obtained. Carbon rods are used as an electrode cathode and an electrode anode, a reaction mixture is stirred firstly and then reacts in an unseparated electrolytic tank at the constant current of 5-15 mA, and the electrode is prepared. The synthesis method of the required 2-amino-5-anilino-[1, 4] benzoquinone-4-phenyl imine is simple, easy to operate, mild in reaction condition and relatively high in yield. In the presence of cupric ions, an absorption spectrum is obviously changed, the selectivity is strong, the specificity is realized, the interference of other metal cations is avoided, the biocompatibility is good, the real-time property is realized, the visual reaction of the filter paper can be instantly realized, the detection limit is 2.8-7mol/L, and the sensitivity is higher.