A polyamide receptor based benzothiazole derivative: highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ ion in aqueous medium

A water soluble benzothiazole derivative having polyamide arms has been designed and synthesized. The sensor selectively detects Hg2+ ion in aqueous medium in presence of alkali, alkaline earth, first row transition metal and heavy metal ions. The reversible behaviour of the sensor can be achieved in presence of iodide ion.