Highly sensitive detection of mercury (II) in aqueous media by tetraphenylporphyrin with a metal ion receptor

Abstract

We provide a highly sensitive and selective assay to detect Hg²⁺ in aqueous solutions using a novel β-functionalised porphyrin-based chemosensor 5 at room temperature. The binding properties of the chemosensor 5 for cations were examined by UV–vis spectroscopy and ¹H NMR. The results indicate that a 1:1 stoichiometric complex is formed between chemosensor 5 and mercury (II) ion. The recognition mechanism between chemosensor 5 and metal ion was discussed based on their absorbance changes and the chemical shift changes when they interact with each other. Control experiments revealed that chemosensor 5 has a selective response to mercury (II) ion compared with other metal ions.

Abstract

We provide a highly sensitive and selective assay to detect Hg²⁺ in aqueous solutions using a novel β-functionalised porphyrin-based chemosensor 5 at room temperature. The recognition mechanism between chemosensor 5 and metal ion was discussed based on their absorbance changes and the chemical shift changes when they interact with each other. Control experiments revealed that chemosensor 5 has a selective response to mercury (II) ion compared with other metal ions.

Keywords::

• porphyrin
• chemosensor
• mercury
• relaxivity

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 81227902, 21302217, 21221064, 21120102038, the Innovation Method Fund of China [grant number 2010IM030600] and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (the 100 talents program & KJCX2-EW-N06-04).