A triazole based triferrocene derivative as a multiresponsive chemosensor for Hg(II) ion and a redox chemosensor for H2PO4− ion

A triazole tethered triferrocene receptor, C40H40O2N6Fe33, has been synthesized from the reaction of mono-alkynyl substituted ferrocene, 1 and 1,1′-bis-(azidomethyl)ferrocene, 2. Consequently the cation and anion sensing properties of 3 have been examined. The receptor 3 was found to be highly selective electrochemical (ΔE1/21=145mV,ΔE1/22=92mV), optical and chromogenic chemosensor for Hg2+ ion in aqueous environment. The substantial changes in its absorption spectra are accompanied by the appearance of a new low-energy peak at 631 nm (ɛ = 3400 M−1 cm−1). This is also accompanied by a strong color change from yellow to purple, that allows a prospective for the “naked eye” detection of Hg2+ ion over other competitor cations such as Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, etc. In addition, among various anions, 3 shows a distinct electrochemical recognition of dihydrogen phosphate anion by its multiple H-bonding (C–H⋯O), which is supported by electrochemical (large cathodic shift ΔE1/2 = −175 mV) and 1H NMR titration results.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis, characterization and the complexation properties of a triazole tethered triferrocene receptor C40H40O2N6Fe3 have been documented. The receptor displays high selectivity toward Hg2+ ion through electrochemical and optical probe and binds H2PO4− ion ion through electrochemical probe via multiple H-bonding.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Triazole based triferrocene derivative as a chemosensor. ► Chemosensor shows high selectivity toward Hg2+ cation. ► Chemosensor selectively bind H2PO4− ion by its multiple H-bonding.