Detection of Picric Acid by Terpy-Based Metallo- Supramolecular Fluorescent Coordination Polymers in Aqueous Media

The synthesis of two linear terpy-based metallo-supramolecular fluorescent coordination polymers through 1 ： 1 complexation of Zn^2＋ and Cd^2＋ ions with ditopic terpyridine ligand was reported. The dispersibility of P1 and P2 was significantly improved in organic solvent and water through the introduction of hydrophilic oligo-ethyoxy side chain. Two polymers displayed yellow light emission both in solution and the solid state due to the intra-ligand charge transfer （ILCT） between the d^10 metal ions and the conjugated spacer unit. These coordination polymers were explored as fluorescent chemosensors for detecting picric acid in aqueous media, displaying high sensitivity and good selectivity. In addition, test strips were prepared from these polymers and exhibited the practical potential of detecting the NACs pollutants in the outdoor water for public safety and security.