| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1308227 | Inorganica Chimica Acta | 2016 | 6 Pages |
•Our results constitute a proof of principle that metal dithiolene complexes may be used for the selective detection of heavy metal ions.•The indicator complex can operate in aqueous solution.•The chemosensor exhibits an absorption band in the NIR region rendering it potentially useful for biological applications.•Complex synthesis is straightforward and uncomplicated with starting materials being cost efficient to an extent that the complex bears potential even from a commercial point of view.
By combining a dithiolene metal binding moiety with coumarin as substituent and nickel as central metal a green complex was developed, which sensitively and selectively indicates the presence of Hg2+ ions in sample solutions by color degrading. Except with eyesight, this effect is also evidenced by UV–Vis spectroscopy in the biologically interesting NIR region, which is unaffected by absorptions of natural material. Other common metal ions as Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+ and many more do not interfere with the mercury ion detection. The indicator-complex is air and water stable and an easily applied, ready to use, low cost tool without any need for additional reagents, complicated technical procedures or laborious sample preparation.
Graphical abstractBis-(coumarin–dithiolene) niccolate can be used as selective chemosensor for Hg2+ ions evidenced by optical inspection and by UV–Vis spectroscopy in the biologically interesting NIR region. Other common metal ions as Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+ and many more do not interfere with the mercury ion detection by the air and water stable complex reliably operating with aqueous sample solutions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide
