Abstract

A series of spirobenzopyran derivatives 9a-9c bearing a dithiocarbamate/dithiocarbonate as the metal-ligating group were designed for colormetric metal sensors and synthesized. The binding properties of the sensors with different metal ions were investigated. In terms of response time, selectivity and sensitivity, sensor 9a showed a good sensing ability toward mercury ion.

Keywords: Spirobenzopyran, dithiocarbamate, merocyanine, mercury sensing