Simple easy to make xanthene based optical probe for solid and liquid state Hg²⁺ ion detection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Mercury ions (Hg2+) are highly toxic environmental pollutants.
• Development of selective and sensitive detection methods for Hg2+ is crucial.
• Optical probes offer advantages for visual and real-time detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel xanthene-based optical probe (RP).
• To achieve precise and selective recognition of mercury ions (Hg2+).
• To enable effective detection of Hg2+ in both solid and liquid states.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a xanthene-based optical probe (RP).
• Spectroscopic studies (UV-Vis, fluorescence) for ion recognition.
• Job's plot, mass spectrometry, and NMR studies for binding analysis.
• Preparation of test strips for on-site detection.

Main Results:

• The synthesized probe (RP) demonstrated precise recognition of Hg2+.
• A vivid color change was observed upon Hg2+ binding in solid and liquid states.
• High selectivity was confirmed, with no interference from other tested ions.
• 1:1 stoichiometry and plausible binding mechanisms were elucidated.

Conclusions:

• The xanthene-based probe (RP) is an effective tool for Hg2+ detection.
• The probe offers visual and instrumental detection with high selectivity.
• Prepared test strips facilitate rapid, on-site detection in aqueous media.