A new colorimetric and fluorescent ratiometric sensor for Hg ²⁺ based on 4-pyren-1-yl-pyrimidine

A novel fluorescent ratiometric chemosensor based on 4-pyren-1-yl- pyrimidine (PPM) has been designed and prepared for the detection of Hg ²⁺ in the presence of other competing metal ions in acetonitrile. The photo exhibits fluorescence color change of PPM from blue to green without and with Hg ²⁺, which red shift of wavelength about 105 nm in fluorescence emission spectra. It can serve as a highly selective chemodosimeter for Hg ²⁺ with ratiometric and naked-eye detection. The photophysical properties of PPM confirmed a 2:1 (PPM-Hg ²⁺) binding model and the spectral response toward Hg ²⁺ was proved to be reversible.