Phosphorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ and acetonitrile based on iridium(III) complex

A new phosphorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ and acetonitrile (MeCN) based on iridium(III) complex Ir(dpp)2(dtc) (Ir1, dppH = 4,6-diphenylpyrimidine, dtcH = diethyl dithiocarbamic acid) was realized. Upon addition of a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of Hg2+, the dichloromethane (DCM) solution of Ir1 gave a visual color change and significant fluorescent quenching. When MeCN was added, a new fluorescent emission emerged, which constituted a selective MeCN phosphorescent chemosensor. Complex Ir1 has been developed as an AND logic gate with Hg2+ and MeCN as inputs.