Benzothiazole-Based Semisquaraine as Colorimetric Chemosensor for $Hg^{2+}$

A highly selective colorimetric chemosensor for $Hg^{2+}$ based on the semisquaraine(BSQ) containing benzothiazole moiety was investigated. BSQ showed color change only with $Hg^{2+}$ but it showed no significant changes upon addition of other metal ions such as $Ca^{2+},\;Pb^{2+},\;Al^{3+},\;Ce^{2+},\;Ba^{2+},\;Ni^{2+},\;Cd^{2+},\;Zn^{2+},\;and\;Mg^{2+}$. $Hg^{2+}$ ions coordinated to the BSQ forming 1:1 complex. The experimental data and conclusions are rationalized by $DMol^3$ calculation results.