A reusable multichannel anthraimidazoledione-based receptor 1 has been developed for the highly selective detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+ in aqueous media. Based on its high fluorescence sensitivity for Hg2+, 1 was probed for the practical detection of Hg2+ in various drinking water sources wherein the trace amount of Hg2+ was detected through fluorescence ‘turn-off’ signalling. Hence, 1 revealed qualitative and quantitative practical detection of HTMs (especially Hg2+) in a competitive environment through a multichannel signaling response.
