Molecular dyes used for the detection of biological and environmental heavy metals: Highlights from 2004 to 2008

The coordination chemistry of heavy metals, for example, Fe3 + , Pb2 + , Cd2 + , Hg2 + , Cu2 + and Zn2 + , is of interest, in part because of their hazards and toxicity in biological, industrial and agricultural applications. Additionally, there is much interest in the detection and quantification of trace metals in the products of chemical synthesis, in particular sensors for detecting Pd2 + . There has been plethora of new molecular sensors for the detection of heavy metals, which utilise colorimetric or fluorescence mechanisms. This mini-review covers recent advances (2004–2008) in the development of molecular sensors that is restricted to molecular dyes. Other methods for the detection of heavy metals, for example, conjugated polymers and gold nanoparticles are omitted.