We designed and synthesized a new fluorescent probe G based on 4-bromobenzaldehyde, CH₃I and 4-vinylpyridine. Probe G formed a 1 : 1 complex with Zn²⁺ that produced a large fluorescence enhancement and a red shift of ~95 nm. Under ultraviolet light, on addition of Zn²⁺, the fluorescent color of probe G changed from blue to yellow. The tripyridine derivative probe G can quickly detect and identify zinc ions with high selectivity and a low detection limit in aqueous solution. (Image credit: Qinghong Bai.)

Four 2-D Ln-CPs [Ln = La (1), Pr (2), Sm (3), Eu (4)] based on mixed ligands, 2-[(4-carboxyphenyl)methoxy]benzoic acid (H₂cob) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), were prepared and characterized. Complexes 3 and 4 show luminescence of the trivalent lanthanides. (Image credit: Lixin You.)

A novel Co(OAc)₂/NHPI-catalyzed oxidation of 3-arylmethyl sulfonyl imines to prepare 3-arylcarbonyl analogues has been realized. 3-Arylcarbonyl sulfonyl imines were comprehensively synthesized from benzyl substrates for the first time. The reactions proceeded in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigation suggests that alcohol compounds A are the key intermediates for the formation of products 2. (Image credit: Gan Haifeng.)

The doping of WO₃ with transition metal elements significantly optimised its photochromic properties. Mo changed the colour after UV irradiation and Cu increased the fading rate of WO₃. Photochromic ink and photochromic rewriting paper were prepared using the obtained photochromic powders with a cycle life of more than 50 times. (Image credit: Xuhui Jin.)