A Bifunctional Metal Probe with Independent Signal Outputs and Regulable Detection Limits

A bifunctional metal detection system with independent signal outputs and regulable detection limits was developed by using a photochromic diarylethene with an imidazole unit as the ligand. The sensor can be used for the detection of Cu2+ by fluorescence recognition and for the detection of Na+ or K+ by colorimetric recognition. Moreover, the amount of component of the probe can be modulated and manipulated by photomodulation, which results in changes in the upper detectable limits; this enlarges the window of detectable limits for metal ions. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)