A single molecule multi analyte chemosensor differentiates among Zn2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+: modulation of selectivity by tuning of solvents

Abstract

A chemosensor detects and differentiates among Hg2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ with fluorescence enhancement at different wavelengths under different solvent conditions. In methanol, Hg2+ and Pb2+ displace Zn2+ from the [Zn2+-sensor] complex displaying ratiometric behaviour. In water, the chemosensor recognises only Hg2+ with fluorescence enhancement, and offers intracellular detection of Hg2+.