A [2]rotaxane-based 1H NMR spectroscopic probe for the simultaneous identification of physiologically important metal ions in solution

We describe a [2]rotaxane molecule that exhibits distinct signals in its (1)H NMR spectra upon the complexation of physiologically important Li(+), Na(+), Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) ions; thus, the identification of these metal ions in solution is possible from the analysis of a single (1)H NMR spectrum of a single molecular sensor.