2,5-Thienylene-Strapped [26]Hexaphyrin as Multifunctional Chemosensor for Hg, Cu, and F Ions.

The sensing behavior of 2,5-thienylene-bridged tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-[26]hexaphyrin (2) towards various metal ions and anions were investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. Using this strapped hexaphyrin (2), the molecular sensor displayed highly selective and sensitive colorimetric responses to Cu and Hg in MeOH/THF. The spectral changes are distinctive enough in the visible region of the spectrum to enable naked-eye detection.