LAUSR

Abstract A chemical sensor converts a binding or recognition event into a spectroscopic signal upon interaction with the particular analyte. The possible spectroscopic signals could be Uv–Vis, fluorescent, electrochemical and magnetic resonance signals. Presently, chemical sensors typically depend on fluorescent dyes, chromogenic compounds, nanomaterials, quantum dots and metal complexes for analyte induced signal transduction. Among these metal complexes provide a competent approach for the detection of various analytes through electrostatic interaction, metal–ligand interaction, metal–ligand exchange, metal coordination and metal displacement. The aim of this review article is to survey the latest achievements in the field of selective detection of the hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) through metal displacement approach (MDA) by using metal complexes. Broad overview of metal complexes designed for the H 2 S sensor which includes specific examples of copper, zinc, mercury and tin based complexes, has been discussed.