Thioether-tethered bisquinoline derivatives as fluorescent probes for mercury(ii) and iron(iii) ions

Abstract

Three ethanedithiol-linked bisquinoline derivatives with a different number of methoxy substituents on the aromatic ring exhibit a significant fluorescent response toward mercury(II) and iron(III) ions. Fluorescence enhancement (OFF–ON), ratiometric and fluorescence quenching (ON–OFF) responses were achieved with the same molecular skeleton, by changing the methoxy substitution pattern.