Anion binding ability and cytotoxicity of a selective colorimetric chemosensor for H2S based on Zn(Ⅱ) complex

A zinc(II) complex–based selective colorimetric chemosensor for H 2 S was synthesized. The ligand and complex crystals were obtained, and the molecular structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis in addition to electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometer, as well as elemental analysis . The photo-physical and recognition properties toward HS – were examined. The complex indicated the presence of HS – with an obvious color change from yellow to red, based on zinc ion displacement mechanism. However no obvious changes were observed in the presence of other anions (AcO − , H 2 PO 4 − , F − , Cl − , Br − , I − and SO 3 2− ). In addition, the chemosensor was applied to assess HeLa cell cytotoxicity. Our inorganic-reaction based sensor for HS – is simple, easily prepared and efficient. The complex has many potential chemical and analytical applications for the sensing of H 2 S.