Indole derived “turn-on” fluorometric probe for dual detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions at nanomolar level

Abstract

The newly synthesized 3-(phenyl(phenylthio)methyl)-1<em>H</em>-indole ligand demonstrates chemosensor activity towards environmental and clinically important metal ions viz. Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺, <em>via</em> fluorescence intensity enhancement. The rigid complex ceases non-radiative channels with respect to the free ligand. Incorporation of water and significant fluorescence enhancement in presence of interfering metal ions make the method superior over others and detect trace amount of metal ions into the aqueous based medium. Also, the detection of Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions are considered as subjects of an increasing societal demand as well as responsible for neurodegenerative disorders.