A fluorescence ratiometric chemosensor for Fe3+ based on TBET and its application in living cells

Based on a through bond energy transfer (TBET) between rhodamine and naphthalimide fluorophores, a fluorescent ratiometric chemosensor L was designed and prepared for highly selective detection of Fe 3+ in aqueous solution and in living EC109 cells. These significant changes in the fluorescence color could be used for naked-eye detection. The reversibility established the potential of the probe as chemosensor for Fe 3+ detection.