Synthesis and Mercury ion Recognition of a Novel Azobenzene Derivative Bearing Naphthalene Units

A fluorescent probe for selective detection of mercury based on an azobenzene derivative bearing naphthalene units has been synthesised and its cation recognition abilities examined by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescent probe exhibits a highly selective response of fluorescence enhancement toward mercury in DMF aqueous media (DMF: H2O, v/v = 1:1).