Facile, divergent route to bis-Zn(II)dipicolylamine type chemosensors for pyrophosphate

A new, two-step synthesis has been developed for a series of bis-DPA-type ligands whose dinuclear Zn(II) complexes function as fluorescent anion sensors. The Zn(II) complexes exhibit good selectivity for PPi over other anions in aqueous medium (pH 7.5) and may be used to monitor the extent of enzyme-catalysed reactions, in which PPi is produced or consumed.