Metallochromic merocyanines of 8-hydroxyquinoline series

A number of merocyanines based on the 5- and 7-substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline nucleus have been synthesized, and the metallochromic and some metallofluorochromic properties of the prepared dyes have been studied. The most pronounced metallochromic effects are observed for the dyes containing low-basicity end nuclei. Maximum metallofluorochromic effects were demonstrated by the 7-substituted derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline upon interaction with Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ cations. A possible mechanism of metal binding is discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.