Polymeric [Eu(L)3(H2O)] (HL = 1-(pyridin-4-yl)butane-1,3-dione and Dimeric [Eu2(L)6(H2O)2] (HL = 1,3-di(pyridin-3-yl)propane-1,3-dione) as selective and sensitive chemosensors for Hg(II) ion

Eu(III) complexes, [Eu(L1)3(H2O)] (1) and [Eu2(L2)6(H2O)2] (2) have been prepared and structurally characterized. They are highly selective and sensitive chemosensors for Hg2+. These Eu-containing materials show fluorescent enhancement only for Hg2+. The complexation of other metal ions leads to fluorescence quenching or no response.