Reversible photoswitching specifically responds to mercury(ii) ions: the gated photochromism of bis(dithiazole)ethene†
Abstract
Photoswitching of bis(dithiazole)ethene can be regulated by Hg(II) ions and EDTA in a “lock-and-unlock” manner. The molecular photoswitch provides an enzyme-like binding pocket that selectively binds specifically to mercury ions, thus modulating the degree of photoswitching in its presence.