A new colorimetric and fluorescent ratiometric sensor for Hg2+ based on 4-pyren-1-yl-pyrimidine

A novel fluorescent ratiometric chemosensor based on 4-pyren-1-yl-pyrimidine (PPM) has been designed and prepared for the detection of Hg2+ in the presence of other competing metal ions in acetonitrile. The photo exhibits fluorescence color change of PPM from blue to green without and with Hg2+, which red shift of wavelength about 105 nm in fluorescence emission spectra. It can serve as a highly selective chemodosimeter for Hg2+ with ratiometric and naked-eye detection. The photophysical properties of PPM confirmed a 2:1 (PPM-Hg2+) binding model and the spectral response toward Hg2+ was proved to be reversible.