A [2]rotaxane-based 1H NMR spectroscopic probe for the simultaneous identification of physiologically important metal ions in solution

Abstract
We describe a [2]rotaxane molecule that exhibits distinct signals in its 1H NMR spectra upon the complexation of physiologically important Li+, Na+ , Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions; thus, the identification of these metal ions in solution is possible from the analysis of a single 1H NMR spectrum of a single molecular sensor.