A terpyridine-based test strip for the detection of Hg2+ in various water samples and drinks

A novel efficient terpyridine-based colorimetric fluorescent compound, TPI, based on the Wittig reaction, was synthesized and impregnated on filter paper into test strips, which could be applied to naked-eye sensing of mercuric ions (Hg2+) in aqueous media through varied emission color from bright blue to yellow. TPI, with nitrogen from pyridine and oxygen from ether, had a high degree of water solubility and a strong coordination ability to Hg2+. Importantly, the test strips can be used to qualitatively trace amounts of hazardous Hg2+ in various water samples and drinks.