ИСТИНА

Intensive research activities are currently devoted to the development of sensors for toxic metal ions owing to the essential impact of these species on the environment and human health. Molecular chemosensors undergoing reversible color changes are particularly attractive, because they may be used for low-cost express analyses. Herein, a versatile synthetic approach to chromogenic hydrophilic polyamine receptors is reported (Figure). A valuable and unique feature of Pd-catalyzed amination reaction resides in the relative easiness to modify the structure of receptors adjusting the structural parameters of chemosensors and target analytes. Moreover, the fine-tuning of properties of the signalling group including its hydrophylic-lipophilic balance is also simple to achieve. Different types of sensors from highly sensitive one to practical household devices for the quantification of toxic Cu2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ ions were elaborated according to this approach starting from 9,10-anthraquinones.