Phenazine-based colorimetric and fluorometric probes for rapid recognizing of Hg2+ with high sensitivity and selectivity

Two colorimetric and fluorometric probes, namely 2a and 2b, based on N,N′-disubstituted-dihydrophenazine analogues for rapid detection of Hg2+ with high sensitivity and selectivity were designed and synthesized by Heck coupling reaction. The responsive optical properties of the two sensors were investigated by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy in THF solution and 2a-b were found to be exclusively responsive to Hg2+ rapidly. Remarkably, the detection limits of 2a-b for Hg2+ were determined to be 4.8 and 2.6 nM, respectively. Moreover, the AIE and pH sensing properties of 2a-b were investigated.

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