chemosensors Review Low Molecular Weight Fluorescent Probes (LMFPs) to Detect the Group 12 Metal Triad Ashley D. Johnson, Rose M. Curtis and Karl J. Wallace * The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA;
[email protected] (A.D.J.);
[email protected] (R.M.C.) * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +1-601-266-4715 Received: 2 March 2019; Accepted: 19 April 2019; Published: 28 April 2019 Abstract: Fluorescence sensing, of d-block elements such as Cu2+, Fe3+, Fe2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Zn2+ has significantly increased since the beginning of the 21st century. These particular metal ions play essential roles in biological, industrial, and environmental applications, therefore, there has been a drive to measure, detect, and remediate these metal ions. We have chosen to highlight the low molecular weight fluorescent probes (LMFPs) that undergo an optical response upon coordination with the group 12 triad (Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+), as these metals have similar chemical characteristics but behave differently in the environment. Keywords: chemosensors; fluorescence; recognition; sensing; group 12 metals (zinc; cadmium; and mercury) 1. Introduction Sensors are used in every aspect of modern life; for example, many modern households have a carbon monoxide sensor or a smoke detector installed. In industry, fiber-optic sensors are used for monitoring process variables, such as temperature, pressure flow, and the level of a liquid. The environment requires sensors to monitor toxic gases and air pollution, and in clinical applications for the detection of medical conditions, i.e., Type 1 diabetes. The field of sensor technology has rapidly been expanding over the last several decades, and the field can be categorized into two broad areas (1) chemical sensors and (2) biosensors.