A highly selective and sensitive naphthalene-based chemodosimeter for Hg2+ ions

A fluorescence-enhanced naphthalene based chemodosimeter 1 for Hg2+ was developed via Hg2+-promoted irreversible desulfurization reaction. Spectroscopic results reveal that chemodosimeter 1 exhibits high selectivity for Hg2+ in comparison to common interfering metal ions. -- Highlights: • Low molecular weight naphthalene based chemodosimeter was designed and synthesized. • The dosimeter shows unique selectivity towards mercury ion in aqueous media. • Desulphurization reaction. • The mechanism was proved to be irreversible