Heteroleptic Pt(II)-dithiolene-based Colorimetric Chemosensors: Selectivity Control for Hg(II) Ion Sensing

cis/trans-[Pt(C∧N)(C≡CR)(CNBut)] Isomers: Synthesis, Photophysical, DFT Studies, and Chemosensory Behavior

cis/trans Isomerism can be a crucial factor for photophysical properties. Here, we report the synthesis and optical properties of a series of trans- and cis-alkynyl/isocyanide cycloplatinated compounds [Pt(C^∧N)(C≡CR)(CNBu^t)] [R = C₆H₄-4-OMe 1, 3-C₄H₃S 2; C^∧N = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine (dfppy) (a), 4-(2-pyridyl)benzaldehyde (ppy-CHO) (b)]. The trans-forms do not isomerize thermally in MeCN solution to the cis forms, but upon photochemical irradiation in this medium at 298 K, a variable isomerization to the cis forms was observed. This behavior is in good agreement with the theoretically calculated energy values. The trans/cis configuration, the identity of the cyclometalated, and the alkynyl ligand influence on the absorption and emission properties of the complexes in solution, polystyrene (PS) films, and solid state are reported. All complexes are efficient triplet emitters in all media (except for trans-1a and trans-2a in CH₂Cl₂ solution at 298 K), with emission wavelengths depending mainly on the cyclometalated ligand in the region 473-490 nm (dfppy), 510-550 (ppy-CHO), and quantum yields (ϕ) ranging from 18.5 to 40.7% in PS films. The combined photophysical data and time-dependent density functional theory calculations (TD-DFT) at the excited-state T₁ geometry reveal triplet excited states of ³L'LCT (C≡CR → C^∧N)/³IL (C^∧N) character with minor ³MLCT contribution. The dfppy (a) complexes show a greater tendency to aggregate in rigid media than the ppy-CHO (b) and the cis with respect to the trans, showing red-shifted structureless bands of ³MMLCT and/or excimer-like nature. Interestingly, trans-1a,2a and cis-1a,2a undergo significant changes in the ultraviolet (UV) and emission spectra with Hg²⁺ ions enabling their use for sensing of Hg²⁺ ions in solution. This is clearly shown by the hypsochromic shift and substantial decrease of the low-energy absorption band and an increase of the intensity of the emission in the MeCN solution upon the addition of a solution of Hg(ClO₄)₂ (1:5 molar ratio). Job's plot analysis estimated a 1:1 stoichiometry in the complexation mode of Hg²⁺ by trans-2a. The binding constant (log K) calculated for this system from absorption titration data resulted to be 2.56, and the limit of the detection (LOD) was 6.54 × 10^-7 M.

Mercury Toxicity and Detection Using Chromo-Fluorogenic Chemosensors

Mercury (Hg), this non-essential heavy metal released from both industrial and natural sources entered into living bodies, and cause grievous detrimental effects to the human health and ecosystem. The monitoring of Hg2+ excessive accumulation can be beneficial to fight against the risk associated with mercury toxicity to living systems. Therefore, there is an emergent need of novel and facile analytical approaches for the monitoring of mercury levels in various environmental, industrial, and biological samples. The chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors possess the attractive analytical parameters of low-cost, enhanced detection ability with high sensitivity, simplicity, rapid on-site monitoring ability, etc. This review was narrated to summarize the mercuric ion selective chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors reported in the year 2020. The design of sensors, mechanisms, fluorophores used, analytical performance, etc. are summarized and discussed.

Three in one sensor: a fluorometric, colorimetric and paper based probe for the selective detection of mercury(ii)

A new fluorometric, colorimetric and paper-based probe for the selective detection of mercury(ii) with a detection limit of 8.0 ppm.