A ‘turn-on’ fluorescent sensor for the selective detection of cobalt and nickel ions in aqueous media

A Review on Small Organic Colorimetric and Fluorescent Hosts for the Detection of Cobalt and Nickel Ion

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in efforts to advance efficient hosts for detecting cobalt and nickel ions, driven by their extensive industrial applications and environmental significance. This review meticulously examines the progress made in small organic colorimetric and fluorescent hosts tailored specifically for the sensitive and selective detection of cobalt and nickel ions. It delves into a diverse range of molecular architectures, including organic ligands, elucidating their unique attributes such as sensitivity, selectivity, and response time. Moreover, the review precisely explores the underlying principles governing the colorimetric and fluorescent mechanisms employed by these hosts, shedding light on the intricate interactions between the sensing moieties and the target metal ions. Furthermore, it critically evaluates the practical applicability of these hosts, considering crucial factors such as detection limits, recyclability, and compatibility with complex sample matrices. Additionally, exploration extends to potential challenges and prospects in the field, emphasizing the imperative for ongoing innovation to address emerging environmental and analytical demands. Eventually, through this comprehensive examination, the review seeks to contribute to the ongoing endeavor to develop robust and efficient tools for monitoring and detecting cobalt and nickel metal ions in diverse analytical scenarios.

Recent advances in the fluorimetric and colorimetric detection of cobalt ions

Cobalt is an essential metal to maintain several functions in the human body and is present in functional materials for numerous applications. Thus, to monitor these functions, it is necessary to develop suitable probes for the detection of cobalt. Presently, researchers are focused on designing different chemosensors for the qualitative and quantitative detection of the metal ions. Among the numerous methods devised for the identification of cobalt ions, colorimetric and fluorimetric techniques are considered the best choice due to their user-friendly nature, sensitivity, accuracy, linearity and robustness. In these techniques, the interaction of the analyte with the chemosensor leads to structural changes in the molecule, causing the emission and excitation intensities (bathochromic, hyperchromic, hypochromic, and hypsochromic) to change with a change in the concentration of the analyte. In this review, the recent advancements in the fluorimetric and colorimetric detection of cobalt ions are systematically summarized, and it is concluded that the development of chemosensors having distinctive colour changes when interacting with cobalt ions has been targeted for on-site detection. The chemosensors are grouped in various categories and their comparison and the discussion of computational studies will enable readers to have a quick overview and help in designing effective and efficient probes for the detection of cobalt in the field of chemo-sensing.

Pyrogallol-based dipodal optical probe as new smart analytical tool for sustainable detection of cobalt in biosystem

The present research focuses on the micro-level detection of cobalt ions in biological and environmental samples using a new probe. The probe is a multifunctional symmetrical dipodal molecule with two pyrogallol binding units attached to the malonate scaffold through a propylene spacer. It was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, electronic spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The molecule's binding, thermodynamic, and photophysical properties are also described. The designed probe demonstrates an excellent sensing ability for Co(II) based on the ESIPT "OFF-ON" fluorescence mechanism. The experiments explore the high selectivity of the ligand for cobalt sensing over a wide range of metal ions of biological and environmental importance. The fluorescence intensity shows a linear response to Co(II) in 5-100 μM concentration with a detection limit of 8.75 x 10-5 and a 2.65-fold enhancement in the intensity. These results establish its potential application as a fluorescence sensor. The probe is also employed as a colorimetric sensor for the qualitative determination of cobalt ions in DMSO solution. The interesting behavior of the probe motivated us further to study its coordination properties with divalent cobalt in solution. The pre-organized assembly with an appropriate cavity size favors the ligand for an efficient Co(II) encapsulation by coordinating through imine-Ns and aromatic ring-Os donors, giving high formation constants.

Fluorescent and chromogenic organic probes to detect group 10 metal ions: design strategies and sensing applications

Group 10 metals including Ni, Pd and Pt have been extensively applied in various essential aspects of human social life, material science, industrial manufactures, medicines and biology. The ionic forms of these metals are involved in several biologically important processes due to their strong binding capability towards different biomolecules. However, the mishandling or overuse of such metals has been linked to serious contamination of our ecological system, more specifically in soil and water bodies with acute consequences. Therefore, the detection of group 10 metal ions in biological as well as environmental samples is of huge significance from the human health point of view. Related to this, considerable efforts are underway to develop adequately efficient and facile methods to achieve their selective detection. Optical sensing of metal ions has gained increasing attention of researchers, particularly in the environmental and biological settings. Innovatively designed optical probes (fluorescent or colorimetric) are usually comprised of three basic components: an explicitly tailored receptor unit, a signalling unit and a clearly defined reporter unit. This review deals with the recent progress in the design and fabrication of fluorescent or colorimetric organic sensors for the detection of group 10 metal ions (Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II)), with attention to the general aspects for design of such sensors.

Synthesis of a quinoxaline-hydrazinobenzothiazole based probe-single point detection of Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Hg2+ ions in real water samples

A novel quinoxaline-hydrazinobenzothiazole based sensor was synthesized and characterized using NMR, FTIR, and Mass spectroscopy techniques. The sensor achieves the distinct "single-point" colorimetric and fluorescent detection of Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions with distinguishable color changes from yellow to red, pale red, pale brown and orange, respectively. The UV-visible and fluorescence emission spectral investigation revealed the excellent single-point sensing ability of the probe towards four different heavy metal ions with a ratiometric response. Nanomolar levels of detection of about 1.16 × 10^-7 M, 9.92 × 10^-8 M, 8.21 × 10^-8 M, and 1.14 × 10^-7 M for Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions, respectively, were achieved using our sensor, which are below the US-EPA permissible limits. Additionally, the sensor was utilized for naked eye detection under normal daylight. Quantitative determination of the metal ions in real water samples was also demonstrated.

Multi-responsive paper chemosensors based on mesoporous silica nanospheres for quantitative sensing of heavy metals in water

Exposure to low concentrations of heavy metal cations seriously harms living organisms, hence they are considered environmental toxins. Portable simple detection systems are required for field monitoring of multiple metal ions. In this report, paper-based chemosensors (PBCs) were prepared by adsorbing 1-(pyridin-2-yl diazenyl) naphthalen-2-ol (chromophore), which recognizes heavy metals, onto filter papers coated with mesoporous silica nano spheres (MSNs). The high density of the chromophore probe on the surface of PBCs resulted in ultra-sensitive optical detection of heavy metal ions and short response time. The concentration of metal ions was determined using digital image-based colorimetric analysis (DICA) and compared to spectrophotometry under optimal sensing conditions. The PBCs exhibited stability and short recovery times. The detection limits determined using DICA of Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Fe³⁺ were 0.22, 0.28, 0.44, and 0.54 μM; respectively. Additionally, the linear ranges for monitoring Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Fe³⁺ were 0.44-4.4, 0.16-4.2, 0.8-8.5, and 0.002-5.2 μM; respectively. The developed chemosensors showed high stability, selectivity, and sensitivity for sensing of Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in water under optimum conditions and hold potential for low cost, onsite sensing of toxic metals in water.

Coordination of Distal Carboxylate Anion Alters Metal Ion Specific Binding in Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Congeners

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives have excellent potential for chelation with transition metal ions. Two new imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-8-carboxylates were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, HRMS, and single crystal-XRD techniques. Methyl carboxylate (probe 1) turns on fluorescence upon coordination with Zn²⁺, while sodium carboxylate (probe 2) turns off its fluorescence upon coordination with Co²⁺ or Cu²⁺ ions present in aqueous acetonitrile medium. ¹³C NMR study revealed that the change in metal ion specific binding was due to the involvement of carboxylate anion in complex formation with Co²⁺ or Cu²⁺ ions. The carboxylate anion at 8-position also enhanced the sensitivity of detection of probe 2 by an order of magnitude (detection limits: 3.804 × 10^-7 M, probe 1/Zn²⁺; 0.420 × 10^-7 M, probe 2/Co²⁺ and 0.304 × 10^-7 M, probe 2/Cu²⁺). The detection limits of probes 1 and 2 comply well with the World Health Organization (WHO) and US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) guidelines for detection of heavy metal ions present in drinking water and ground water. Both the probes form a 1:1 complex with Zn²⁺, Co²⁺ or Cu²⁺, and the stoichiometry was verified by Job plot and ESI-mass analysis. The sensing mechanism is explained using ¹³C NMR experiments, ESI-mass analytical data and theoretical DFT calculations. The suitability of probes 1 and 2 for on-site detection and quantitative determination of Zn²⁺, Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions present in biological, environmental and industrial samples is demonstrated. In addition, both 1 and 2 are used for detection of intracellular contamination of Zn²⁺, Co²⁺ or Cu²⁺ ions in onion epidermal cells.

Primer-Engineered Transferase Enzyme for One-Pot and Amplified Detection of Cobalt Pollution and Peptide Remover Screening

Extensive consumption of cobalt in the chemical field such as for battery materials, alloy, pigments, and dyes has aggravated the pollution of cobalt both in food and the environment, and assays for its on-site monitoring are urgently demanded. Herein, we utilized enzyme dependence on metal cofactors to develop terminal transferase (TdT) as a recognition element, achieving a one-pot sensitive and specific assay for detecting cobalt pollution. We engineered a 3'-OH terminus primer to improve the discrimination capacity of TdT for Co²⁺ from other bivalent cations. The TdT extension reaction amplified the recognition of Co²⁺ and yielded a limit of detection of 0.99 μM for Co²⁺ detection. Then, the TdT-based assay was designed to precisely detect cobalt in food and agricultural soil samples. By end-measurement of fluorescence using a microplate reader, the multiplexing assay enabled the rapid screening of the peptide remover for cobalt pollution. The TdT-based assay can be a promising tool for cobalt pollution monitoring and control.

Glutathione stabilized green-emission gold nanoclusters for selective detection of cobalt ion

A glutathione stabilized Au nanoclusters (GSH-Au NCs) was synthesized here and used to selective detection of cobalt ion. The as-prepared GSH-Au NCs had strong green light emission around 500 nm, and the features of the NCs have been systematically characterized by UV-vis absorption, X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopic, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope characterization. The interactions between the GSH-Au NCs and metal ions was studied, and the results indicated that the fluorescence of the GSH-Au NCs could be quenched in the presence of Co²⁺ ion at pH of 6.0. The quenching ratio was linear with the concentration of Co²⁺ ions, and the calibration curve was I₀/I = 0.1187c_co + 0.6085 in the Co²⁺ concentration ranges from 2.0 to 50.0 μM with correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9950 and the limit of detection (LOD, 3σ) of 0.124 μM. In addition, we collected environmental water samples to test the reliability of the method and demonstrated this method is simple, rapid, and selective.

A dual-channel 'turn-on' fluorescent chemosensor for high selectivity and sensitivity detection of CN¯ based on a coumarin-Schiff base derivative in an aqueous system

Novel strategies still need to be proposed that can be used to identify and detect toxic environmental pollutants. In this paper, two channels of colorimetry and fluorescence 'turn-on' fluorescent probe 1 (7-hydroxy-8-[(2-hydroxy-phenylimino)- methyl]-4-methylbenzopyran-2-one) for the simple yet highly selective detection of CN¯ have been successfully designed and synthesized. Crystal features of probe 1 were defined using X-ray single crystal diffractometry. Probe 1 showed a strongly colorimetric and fluorescence response to CN¯ that induced obvious naked-eye colour changes in aqueous solution (DMSO/H₂ O, 3:1 v:v). In addition, probe 1 for CN¯ detection displayed low detection limits of 3.91 × 10^-8  M, which were significantly lower than the 1.9 × 10^-6  M maximum level specified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for potable water. The sensing mechanism for probe 1 was attributed to the deprotonation process as shown by ¹ H NMR titration. Moreover, based on the visible colorimetry and fluorescence change for probe 1 to CN¯, measurement was performed for simulated water samples containing CN¯. This study provides a broad prospect for solving other pollution problems and promoting the design of new fluorescent materials.

Discovery of a novel camphor-based fluorescent probe for Co2+ in fresh vegetables with high selectivity and sensitivity

Cobalt is an essential micronutrient for human beings. The excessive intake of cobalt may lead to heart-related diseases. In this work, a novel fluorescent probe 1,1'-(((6,11,11-trimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6,9-methanopyridazino[4,5-b]quinoxaline-1,4-diyl)bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(naphthalen-2-ol) (PDS) was synthesized from camphor. The probe PDS could be utilized to selectively recognize Co²⁺ over other metal ions. There is a good linear relationship between fluorescence intensity of PDS and Co²⁺ concentration within 0-20 μM, and its detection limt was found to be 0.925 μM, which is far lower than the national standard for cobalt in drinking water in China. The possible coordination mechanism of PDS with Co²⁺ was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and density functional theory (DFT). The probe PDS was also successfully applied in detection of Co²⁺ in tap water and fresh vegetables.

Detection of nickel by chemo and fluoro sensing technologies

Sensing technology for heavy metal detection is very crucial for recent decades as the detection method is very easy, rapid, and does not require any pre-treatment of the sample. Nickel is a trace element in the human body and basically a moderate toxic element. There is a limited number of chemo and fluoro sensors reported for nickel as compared to other transition metal ion. Therefore, there is a need for the detailed structure and property studies of the nickel-probes as the knowledge can help in the upcoming development of probes for the nickel. In this review, we have discussed about different colorimetric, fluorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor and their structure, characterization, detection limit, association constant, media, and bio-imaging studies if they are active.

A highly sensitive and selective Schiff-base probe as a colorimetric sensor for Co2+ and a fluorimetric sensor for F- and its utility in bio-imaging, molecular logic gate and real sample analysis

In this work, we designed a novel Schiff-base probe from the condensation reaction of 3,5-diiodosalicylaldehyde with isoniazid. Treatment of the sensor molecule with different metal ions like K⁺, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Al³⁺ in visual inspection and absorption measurements explained its colorimetric sensing ability. The sensor DISN displays a remarkable color variation from pale yellow to brownish-orange towards Co²⁺ ion. The absorption and emission spectra of DISN, upon treating with various anions including F^-, Br^-, Cl^-, I^-, HSO₄^-, NO₃^-, H₂PO₄^-, and CN^- were tested. The addition of the fluoride ion to the receptor caused not only the intense color variation from pale yellow to orange but also a significant fluorescence turn-on response. Job's plot method fixed the binding of Co²⁺ and F^- to DISN separately, in 2:1 and 1:1 binding stoichiometry, respectively. The detection limit of 1.24 × 10^-7 M and 0.108 × 10^-6 M was attained for Co²⁺ and F^-, respectively. The TD-DFT calculations further supported the photophysical properties involved in the free probe and its complexes. The YES and INHIBIT logic function was found to operate from modulation in the absorbance and fluorescence behavior of Co²⁺ and F^- ions with DISN. Furthermore, DISN displays its practical applicability in filter-paper strips, live cell imaging, and real sample analyses.

A dual-responsive colorimetric probe for the detection of Cu2+ and Ni2+ species in real water samples and human serum

The monitoring of heavy transition metals has increasingly attracted great attention because they pollute the environment and have unique physiological functions. Chemosensors are useful tools for monitoring heavy transition metals due to their simple visualization, excellent sensitivity and high selectivity. Herein, we have developed a novel chemosensor for the detection of water-soluble Cu2+ and Ni2+ species with different mechanisms, and low detection limits of 2.1 nM for Cu2+ and 1.2 nM for Ni2+ were obtained. The colorimetric probe CPH has been applied to qualitative and quantitative detection of Cu2+ and Ni2+ species in real samples.

A novel probe based on rhodamine 101 spirolactam and 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzothiazole moieties for three-in-one detection of paramagnetic Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2

A novel probe based on rhodamine 101 spirolactam and 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzothiazole moieties (probe 1) was developed as a three-in-one platform for detection of paramagnetic Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ through different processes. Ratiometric changes in emission intensities at 565 nm and 460 nm for 1 (λ_ex = 350 nm) were observed in presence of Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ respectively. This probe displayed ratiometric colorimetric responses and 'turn-on' fluorescence responses (λ_ex = 540 nm) toward Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺. Whereas probe 1 exhibited very weak absorption around 480 nm, no 'turn-on' emission (λ_ex = 540 nm) in presence of Ni²⁺. The detection limits were 0.11 μM and 0.17 μM for Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ ions respectively from ratiometric colorimetric measurements and 26 nM, 54 nM and 101 nM for Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ respectively from ratiometric fluorometric measurements. The excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-prohibited coupled ring-open process for 1-Cu²⁺ (1-Co²⁺) and ESIPT-prohibited irreversible process for 1-Ni²⁺ were proposed according to the spectral results. Furthermore, probe 1 was utilized to determine Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ in real-life samples with good recoveries.

A novel sulfur quantum dot for the detection of cobalt ions and norfloxacin as a fluorescent “switch”

Sulfur nanomaterials exceed carbon nanomaterials in terms of the antimicrobial or antifungal properties. A novel S QDs which were prepared by “top-down” methodology to detect Co²⁺and norfloxacin was constructed for the first time. S QDs can play a dual role for detection of Co²⁺as well as norfloxacin in aqueous media as a fluorescent switch.

A visible chemosensor based on carbohydrazide for Fe(ii), Co(ii) and Cu(ii) in aqueous solution

A colorless sensor with pyridyl and carbohydrazide components shows a unique photoresponse when exposed to Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺. The sensor's colorimetric response is unique to these metal ions and is stable around neutral pH.

Acridine-based fluorescence chemosensors for selective sensing of Fe3+ and Ni2+ ions

Two novel acridine-based fluorescence chemosensors (L1 and L2) were prepared and their metal ions sensing properties were investigated. L1 (L2) exhibited an excellent selective fluorescence response toward Fe³⁺ (Ni²⁺) and the stoichiometry ratio of L1-Fe³⁺ and L2-Ni²⁺ were 1:1. The detection limits of L1 and L2 were calculated by the fluorescence titration to be 4.13μM and 1.52μM, respectively, which were below the maximum permissive level of Fe³⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions in drinking water set by the EPA. The possible mechanism of the fluorescence detection of Fe³⁺ and Ni²⁺ had been proposed according to the analysis of Job's plot, IR spectra and ESI-MS. The determination of Fe³⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions in living cells had been applied successfully.

A new Schiff-base chemosensor for selective detection of Cu2+ and Co2+ and its copper complex for colorimetric sensing of S2- in aqueous solution

A new Schiff-base colorimetric chemosensor 1 was developed for the detection of Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ and S^2-. Sensor 1 could simply monitor Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ by a color change from colorless to yellow. The binding modes of 1 to Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ were determined to be a 2 : 1 complexation stoichiometry through Job's plot and ESI-mass spectrometry analysis. The detection limits (0.02 μM and 0.63 μM) for Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ were lower than the recommended values (31.5 μM and 1.7 μM) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Cu²⁺ and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Co²⁺, respectively. Importantly, 1 could detect and quantify Cu²⁺ in real water samples. In addition, the Cu²⁺-2·1 complex could be used as a highly selective colorimetric sensor for S^2- in the presence of other anions without any interference. Moreover, the sensing mechanisms of Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ by 1 were explained by theoretical calculations.

Structural characterization of a fluorescein hydrazone molecular switch with application towards logic gates

A new polymorph of fluorescein hydrazone was fully characterized via single X-ray crystallography. In addition, multiple logic circuits and a Half-Adder operator were designed using the fluorescence and UV-Vis switching responses of the fluorescein compound to different metal cations and pH changes.

A new fluorescent–colorimetric chemosensor for cobalt(ii) ions based on bis-benzimidazolium salt with three anthraquinone groups

A novel colorimetric chemosensor was prepared, and its recognition performance for Co²⁺ was investigated by the fluorescence method and color change.

Green and Red Fluorescent Dyes for Translational Applications in Imaging and Sensing Analytes: A Dual-Color Flag

Red and green are two of the most-preferred colors from the entire chromatic spectrum, and red and green dyes are widely used in biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, immune-staining, and nanochemistry applications. Selective dyes with green and red excitable chromophores can be used in biological environments, such as tissues and cells, and can be irradiated with visible light without cell damage. This critical review, covering a period of five years, provides an overview of the most-relevant results on the use of red and green fluorescent dyes in the fields of bio-, chemo- and nanoscience. The review focuses on fluorescent dyes containing chromophores such as fluorescein, rhodamine, cyanine, boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY), 7-nitobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole-4-yl, naphthalimide, acridine orange, perylene diimides, coumarins, rosamine, Nile red, naphthalene diimide, distyrylpyridinium, benzophosphole P-oxide, benzoresorufins, and tetrapyrrolic macrocycles. Metal complexes and nanomaterials with these dyes are also discussed.

Spiropyran-Isoquinoline Dyad as a Dual Chemosensor for Co(II) and In(III) Detection

Spiropyran derivatives have been studied as light-regulated chemosensors for a variety of metal cations and anions, but there is little research on chemosensors that simultaneously detect multiple metal cations. In this study, a spiropyran derivative with isoquinoline, SP-IQ, was prepared and it functions investigated as a light-regulated sensor for both Co²⁺ and In³⁺ cations. A colorless nonfluorescent SP-IQ converts to a pink-colored fluorescent MC-IQ by UV irradiation or standing in the dark, and MC-IQ returns to SP-IQ with visible light. Upon UV irradiation with the Co²⁺ cation for 7 min, the stronger absorption at 540 nm and the similar fluorescence intensity at 640 nm are observed, compared to when no metal cation is added, due to the formation of a Co²⁺ complex with pink color and pink fluorescence. When placed in the dark with the In³⁺ cation for 7 h, the colorless solution of SP-IQ changes to the In³⁺ complex with yellow color and pink fluorescence, which shows strong absorption at 410 nm and strong fluorescence at 640 nm. Selective detection of the Co²⁺ cation with UV irradiation and the In³⁺ cation in the dark could be possible with SP-IQ by both absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy or by the naked eye.

(E)-3′,6′-bis(Diethylamine)-2-[(2-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyleneamino]spiro[isoindoline-1,9′-xanthen]-3-one

The title compound, (E)-3′,6′-bis(diethylamine)-2-[(2-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyleneamino]spiro[isoindoline-1,9′-xanthen]-3-one, was synthesized in 92% isolated yield using microwave-assisted organic synthesis. This new rhodamine derivative was fully characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FTIR and high resolution MS.

A single colorimetric sensor for multiple targets: the sequential detection of Co2+and cyanide and the selective detection of Cu2+in aqueous solution

A colorimetric chemosensor was developed for simultaneous detection of Co²⁺and Cu²⁺and for sequential recognition of Co²⁺and CN⁻.

A phthalazine-based two-in-one chromogenic receptor for detecting Co(2+) and Cu(2+) in an aqueous environment

A new multifunctional and highly selective chemosensor for Co(2+) and Cu(2+) was designed and synthesized. could simultaneously detect both Co(2+) and Cu(2+) by changing its color from pale yellow to pink and to orange in a near-perfect aqueous solution. The binding modes of to Co(2+) and Cu(2+) were determined to be a 2 : 1 complexation stoichiometry through Job's plot, ESI-mass spectrometry analysis and (1)H NMR titration. The detection limits (1.5 and 2.1 μM) of for Co(2+) and Cu(2+) were lower than the DEP guidelines (1.7 μM for Co(2+)) and the WHO guidelines (31.5 μM for Cu(2+)) for drinking water. The chemosensor could be used to quantify Co(2+) and Cu(2+) in water samples. Moreover, could be used as a practical, visible colorimetric test kit for both Co(2+) and Cu(2+). The sensing mechanisms of Co(2+) and Cu(2+) by were supported by theoretical calculations.

Highly selective and sensitive colorimetric chemosensor for detection of Co2+ in a near-perfect aqueous solution

An outstanding colorimetric chemosensor was developed to selectively detect Co²⁺ with the lowest detection limit through the color change from colorless to yellow.