Simple Molecule Mercury Sensor

Abstract

Several molecules previously produced from a nitrile-based cascade cyclization were examined as potential mercury sensors. Various analytical parameters, including fluorescence quantum yield, UV shift, fluorescence quenching, binding constant, binding ratio, and lowest detection limit, were measured. The best mercury sensor molecule was found to be molecule 3c, which could be easily synthesized in gram quantities (3 steps, 55% overall yield). This molecule has a very high fluorescence quantum yield (Φ = 0.87), high sensitivity and selectivity towards mercury ion in both organic and aqueous media. The overall performance of molecule 3c is as good as, or better than, the majority of organic dye based mercury sensors reported to date.