A new selective colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) based on a thiourea featuring a pyrene unit

A new artificial receptor 1 was developed, and its chromogenic and fluorogenic behaviors toward various metal ions were investigated. Receptor 1 shows exclusively responses toward Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) ions. It selectively senses Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) ions through two different color changes in aqueous solution (DMSO/H(2)O=4/1) and also distinguishes them from other metal ions. In addition, receptor 1 also exhibits pronounced enhancements of the fluorescence, which can visually be discernible by an orchid fluorescence in the presence of Hg(2+) ions and a strong blue fluorescence in the presence of Cu(2+) ions.