A colorimetric probe for dual sensing of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions in water

Abstract A colorimetric probe ( L ) was prepared and its metal ion sensing properties were investigated. Probe L exhibited obvious colorimetric response toward Hg 2+ and Cu 2+ with different color changes in water. The association constant for probe L -Hg 2+ and probe L -Cu 2+ in water containing 0.5% DMSO (v/v) was determined as 5.62 × 10 7  M −1 and 1.26 × 10 7  M −1 , respectively. The detection limit of probe L for the analysis of Hg 2+ and Cu 2+ was determined as 0.19 ppm and 0.39 ppm, respectively. Moreover, probe L can be used for selective sensing of Hg 2+ and Cu 2+ based on the distinct color changes in real samples.