Exploiting Spiropyran Solvatochromism for Heavy Metal Ion Detection in Aqueous Solutions.

ABSTRACT: Three spiropyran derivatives (SP1-SP3) were studied as colorimetric sensors for Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ ions in nine solvents of varying polarity and hydrogen-bonding character based on the ET(30) scale. We used solvatochromic analysis and UV-visible titrations to characterize each spiropyran's baseline absorption in each solvent and its changes upon metal interaction. Solvatochromic measurements enabled us to separate intrinsic solvent-induced color shifts from metal-specific responses. The results revealed a strong solvent dependence for sensing. SP1 and SP2 yielded distinct metal-induced colorimetric responses, with the former showing its strongest Hg2+ response in tetrahydrofuran and acetone and the latter detecting Pb2+ and Cd2+ in methanol, whereas SP3 was comparatively less sensitive o

SUBMITTER: Mendonca NEN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12368694 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature