title: A highly selective and sensitive BODIPY-based colourimetric and turn-on fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ ions.
abstract: A series of monostyryl boron dipyrromethenes appended with an NO(4), NO(2)S(2), N(3)O(4), or N(3)O(2)S(2)-type ligand have been prepared and characterised. While the UV-Vis spectra of the former three compounds in CH(3)CN/H(2)O (2 : 3 v/v) do not respond towards a wide range of metal ions, the derivative with an N(3)O(2)S(2)-ligand exhibits a highly selective and sensitive spectral response towards Hg(2+) ions. The absorption band is blue-shifted by 40 nm due to inhibition of the intramolecular charge transfer process upon metal complexation. The fluorescence is also turned on giving a strong emission band at 572 nm. The colour changes can be easily detected by the naked eye. The results suggest that this compound serves as a promising colourimetric and fluorescent sensor for Hg(2+) ions in this mixed aqueous medium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Centre of Novel Functional Molecules, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Xiong-Jie
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Cheok-Lam
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Pui-Chi
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: Dennis K P
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Ng