Fluorescence Signaling of Zr⁴⁺by Hydrogen Peroxide Assisted Selective Desulfurization of Thioamide

Thioamide derivative with a pyrene fluorophore was smoothly transformed to its corresponding amide by Zr(4+) ions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The transformation was evidenced by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and the signaling was completed within 10 min after sample preparation. Interference from Ag(+) and Hg(2+) ions in Zr(4+)-selective fluorescence signaling was readily suppressed with the use of Sn(2+) as a reducing additive. Discrimination of Zr(4+) from closely related hafnium, which is a frequent contaminant in commercial zirconium, was not possible. Prominent Zr(4+)-selective turn-on type fluorescence signaling was possible with a detection limit of 4.6 × 10(-6) M in an aqueous 99% ethanol solution.