Schiff Base Derived from 4,4′-methylenedianiline and p-anisaldehyde: Colorimetric Sensor for Cu2+, Paper Strip Sensor for Al3+ and Fluorescent Sensor for Pb2+

Fluorescent Sensors for Hg2+ and Cu2+ Based on Condensation Products of 4H-1,2,4 Triazole-4-Amine and Carboxylated Benzoic Acids

Mercury (Hg) causes serious health issues in its all forms. Deficiency as well as excess of copper ion (Cu²⁺) in human body is hazardous. A series of four compounds have been derived from carboxylated benzoic acids (benzoic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid and phthalic acid) and 4H-1,2,4 triazole-4-amine and characterized. Fluorescence detection of Hg²⁺ was recorded by the derivates with benzoic acid and isophthalic acid while the derivatives of terephthalic acid and phthalic acid detect Cu²⁺ by fluorescence "off" mode. Metal ions like Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ found not to interfere. The stoichiometry of binding is 1:1 for the benzoic acid derivative with Hg²⁺ while it is 1:2 for the other three derivatives. The binding constants are ca. 10^-4.5 between the sensors and Hg²⁺ or Cu²⁺ and detection limits are around 10^-5.5 M. DFT calculation provided optimized geometries of the sensors and confirmed the stoichiometry of binding with Hg²⁺/Cu²⁺.

Disposable paper strips for carboxylate discrimination

A fluorescent macromolecular chemosensor, built from readily available components, performs chemical fingerprinting of carboxylate anions on low-cost, disposable paper supports.