A Formyl Chromone Based Schiff Base Derivative: An Efficient Colorimetric and Fluorescence Chemosensor for the Selective Detection of Hg Ions.

A novel chromone-based Schiff base L was designed and synthesized by condensing an equimolar amount of 3-formyl chromone and 2,4-dinitro phenyl hydrazine. Schiff base L was developed as a potent colorimetric and fluorescent molecular probe to recognize Hg ions over other competitive metal ions. In the presence of Hg, Schiff base L displays a naked-eye detectable color change under day and UV light.