Recent advances on the development of optical chemosensors and chemodosimeters for the recognition of Hg2+

Abstract

Mercury is one of the most harmful elements. It is commonly present as Hg2+ ion. Its presence in human body creates several health issues. Its detection by colorimetric and fluorogenic methods has been achieved by several research groups by the use of chemosensors and chemodosimeters. These chemosensors were constructed from several fluorophores such as rhodamine, coumarin, tetraphenylethene, quinoline, etc. Presence of thio functionality in them provides another opportunity for the recognition of the metal ion. These are either chemosensors with reversible binding nature or chemodosimeters where structural changes occur with breaking and making several covalent bonds irreversibly. Presence and interaction with Hg2+ with the probes bring about significant alterations in their photophysical properties enabling them as sensor for the cation. About 135 recently published research articles have been included for discussion. The discussion provides recent progress on the development of chemosensors and chemodosimters for Hg2+. At the end, future prospective on this research field has been discussed.