= Solution
The predominant self-sorted distribution is \b[$[\mathrm{Zn}(1)]^{2+}$, $[\mathrm{Li}(2)]^+$ and free 3], so the reporter remains mainly in its \b[554 nm] state. <zinc> benefits from the six <amine> donors of 1 without forcing 2 into its strained zinc-binding conformation. <lithium> occupies 2 because its <lithium> affinity exceeds that of 3. Each metal is consumed in the preferred complex, leaving the reporter unoccupied.
This is a dominant-species prediction. A tenfold affinity difference alone would not guarantee quantitative <lithium> sorting if the absolute affinities were weak or if free metal and all competing complexes had appreciable populations. Concentration and <equilibrium constants> are not supplied, so an exact species fraction is not justified.
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