A new chemosensor that signals Hg(ii), Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) at different emission wavelengths: selectivity toward Hg(ii) in acetonitrile

Abstract

A new tripodal fluoroionophore bearing furan and quinoline moieties, 2, senses Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in acetonitrile by displaying enhanced fluorescence at distinct wavelengths. Chemosensor 2 also shows selectivity toward Hg²⁺ and senses Hg²⁺ even in the presence of acid in the media. When quinoline is replaced with a non-coordinating signaling unit like an anthryl moiety, the fluoroionophore fails to sense Hg²⁺ selectively.