Lead ion induced chemodosimeter approach of a tripodal hydroxyl-quinoline based phospho-ester through P–O bond cleavage

Lead ion induced P–O bond breaking with instant colour change was observed in a tripodal hydroxyl-quinoline based phosphor-ester (HQP). A new penta-coordinated lead chelate complex [Pb4HQ6(ClO4)2] was found. The hydrolysis reaction followed by P–O bond cleavage with ‘Pb–O’ and ‘Pb–N’ bond formation proved the chemodosimeter approach.