Simple, efficient and selective colorimetric sensors for naked eye detection of Hg2+, Cu2+ and Fe3+

Abstract

Compounds 3 and 4 are all push–pull molecules containing both a donor 1,3-dithiole ring and an acceptor carbonyl group or thiocarboyl group, and their structures confer them with special spectroscopic properties. Their recognition behaviors towards metal ions were explored by UV-vis spectral analysis, and the results showed that combination of 3 and 4 could efficiently detect Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺. The instant color changes induced by the addition of corresponding metal ions make them excellent naked eye sensors for the detection of heavy metal ions.