Fluorescence signaling systems for sensing Hg(II) ion derived from A2B-corroles.

Selective detection of Hg(II) ions in solution by a series of novel free base bis-(nitrophenyl) corroles (1-4) with general formula A(2)B (where A = nitrophenyl, and B = N,N-dimethylaminophenyl, thienyl, naphthyl and tridecyloxyphenyl group) is described. Among the free base corroles, 4, with a tridecyloxy long chain moiety, has been found to exhibit the highest Hg(II) sensing ability. The detection is based on the fluorescence quenching of the corroles, arising from the combined effect of static (coordination) and dynamic (exciplex formation) factors.