Dyad 1 and triad 2, were prepared from precursor 1 and precursor 2, respectively.
Precursor 1, dyad 1 and triad 2 were used to recognize different metal ions in dichloromethane solution. .
Theoretical studies predict complex formation in a stoichiometry of L/M = 1:2 with dyad 1.
Theoretical studies predict complex formation in a stoichiometry of L/M = 1:2 with triad 2.
The recognition of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+ and Hg+ with dyad 1 and triad 2 in gas phase was also explored.