A dual-function colorimetric chemosensor for thiols and transition metal ions based on ICT mechanism

Remarkable absorption spectral changes were observed for compound 1 with N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl) aniline and quinone units after either reaction with thiol-containing amino acids/peptides or coordination with Zn2+/Co2+. Therefore, compound 1 is a potential dual-function colorimetric chemosensor for thiol-containing amino acids/peptides and Zn2+/Co2+.