Novel pyridyl based azo-derivative for the selective and colorimetric detection of nickel(II)

A highly sensitive and selective pyridyl based colorimetric chemosensor (H2L) for the efficient detection of Ni(2+) has been reported. The synthesized chemosensor H2L is highly efficient in detecting Ni(2+) even in the presence of other metal ions that commonly co-exist with Ni(2+). H2L also shows distinct color change from green to deep red visible under naked eye due to specific binding with Ni(2+). This color change is due to formation of a new band at 510 nm upon gradual addition of Ni(2+). The association constant has been found to be 1.27×10(5) M(-1) with limit of detection (LOD) of 8.3×10(-7) M. Electronic structure of the H2L-Ni(2+) complex and sensing mechanism have been interpreted theoretically by DFT and TDDFT calculations.