A ratiometric fluorescent probe for gold and mercury ions

Abstract

A fluorescent probe that displays a ratiometric fluorescence response towards gold and mercury ions has been devised. Emitting at a relatively longer wavelength, the conjugated form of the fluorescent dye transforms in the presence of the gold or mercury ions into a new dye, the molecular structure of which lacks the conjugation and consequently emits at a distinctly shorter wavelength. A fluorescent probe that displays a ratiometric fluorescence response towards gold and mercury ions has been devised. Emitting at a relatively longer wavelength, the conjugated form of the fluorescent dye transforms in the presence of the gold or mercury ions into a new dye (see figure).