A phenothiazine–pyrimidine conjugate was designed for the dual detection of Hg2+/Cu2+.
Probe works as a colorimetric and naked-eye sensor for Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions.
The detection limits of the probe for Hg2+ and Cu2+ were found to be 80 × 10−9 and 97 × 10−9 mol L−1.
Probe has the potential for use as an optical solid sensor.