A fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg2+: Shift from “on-state A” to “on-state B”

• Self-assembled dimeric pyrene based chemosensor for Hg2+ ions.
• The dimeric form of the sensor is supported by DFT studies.
• Excimer emission sustains in the presence of Hg2+ ions.
• The practical application in contact mode has been demonstrated.

A simple pyrene based receptor has been synthesised and shown to exist in the dimeric form in solution exhibiting an excimer band in the emission spectrum. The proposed dimeric form is supported by the DFT calculations. Further, the excimer fluorescence is bathochromically shifted with decreased emission intensity in the presence of Hg2+ suggestive of the formation of an aggregated complex. The sensing event also worked on the solid support; thus attesting the potential of the sensor for practical application in contact mode.

A simple pyrene derivative with strong excimer emission detects Hg2+ manifested in the form of bathochromically shifted excimer emission reversibly in the presence of cysteine.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide