Synthesis and Photophysical Behaviors of WaterSoluble Copolymer as Chemosensor for Hg2+ in Aqueous Solution

A novel watersoluble copolymer RhBH-P(VP-co-GMA) bearing rhodamine B hydrazine (RhBH) was prepared by ringopening reaction between RhBH and a watersoluble copolymer P(VPcoGMA) which was synthesized by radical polymerization of N-vinyl pyrolidone (VP) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Upon addition of Hg2+, the spirocyclic ring of RhBH-P(VP-co-GMA) was opened and a significant fluorescence enhancement as well as colorimetric change was observed, which allowed to detect Hg2+ in aqueous solution by both fluorescence technique and naked eye. In addition, the feeding of other transition metal ions has no interference, which shows RhBH-P(VP-co-GMA) is a highly selective macromolecular probe for detection of Hg2+ in aqueous solution.