A simply and highly selective “turn-on” type fluorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ based on chiral BINOL-Schiff’s base ligand

A chiral BINOL derivative bearing Schiff’s base group has been synthesized for the selective fluorescent recognition of Hg2+. Highly selective “turn-on” type fluorescence changes were observed upon the addition of Hg2+. The fluorescence intensity enhancement was ascribed to the complex formation between (R)-1 and Hg2+ which blocked the photo-induced electron transfer process.