An ESIPT-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ in aqueous solution and its application in live-cell imaging.

Graphical abstract Highlights • A new ESIPT-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ has been designed and developed. • The probe exhibits high sensitivity for mercury ions in aqueous solution. • The probe was successfully used for fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ in live cells. Abstract A new Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) based fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg2+ has been rationally designed and developed. Based on the specific reactivity of mercury-promoted hydrolysis, the probe exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity for mercury ions in almost pure aqueous solution (containing only 1% DMSO) with a low detection limit of 1.9 ppb. Furthermore, the probe was also successfully used for fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ in live cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]