Dansyl-containing fluorogenic calixarenes as optical chemosensors of hazardous metal ions: a mini-review

Abstract

Fluorescent chemosensors serve as an efficient tool for selective detection of toxic metal ions (Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, etc.) in the environment. This review is focused on optical metal ion recognition with employment of calixarene-based sensors containing one or more dansyl fluorophore groups. The effect of structural variations, including the mode of dansyl unit attachment, calixarene scaffold type and conformation, as well as the identity and pattern of upper- and lower-rim substituents on the selectivity and sensitivity of these fluoroionophores towards hazardous metal ions is discussed.

Keywords:

• fluorogenic calixarenes
• dansyl
• chemosensors
• optical recognition
• heavy metal ions

Acknowledgement

This work was supported in part by the Howard University (Grant NF05/14).

Notes

^†This paper is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend and colleague, Prof. Dmitry M. Rudkevich.