Hg2+-sensing system based on structures of complexes.

The first example of a new Hg(2+)-sensing system based on the structures of complexes is reported. The system uses a combination of a new chiral bidentate ligand and CD spectroscopy. Significant CD spectral changes are observed when Hg(2+) is added, whereas no CD spectral changes are observed in the cases of Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Rb(+), Ag(+), Cd(2+), La(3+), Gd(3+), and Pb(2+).