Benzimidazole-based optical probe for selective detection of multiple-cations via dual-channel analysis

A differential optical response of 4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid after interaction with various alkali, alkaline, and transition metal ions at ppm-level concentration allow a selective detection of Hg2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+.