Detection of Aqueous Mercuric Ion with a Structurally Simple 8-Hydroxyquinoline Derived ON-OFF Fluorosensor

Abstract

Selective ON-OFF switching of an 8-hydroxyquinoline-derived fluorosensor was observed in the presence of Hg(II). The sensor can be easily synthesized in a straightforward two step procedure, allowing for determination of Hg(II) in pure unbuffered water. The detection limit of the sensor in water at 20 degrees C was determined to be 2.6 microM Hg(II).