A benzothizole-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ recognition utilizing ESIPT coupled AIE characteristics

Abstract A new benzothizole-based fluorescent probe 1 for Hg 2+ recognition utilizing “ESIPT+AIE” strategy has been developed. In THF/H 2 O (1:1, v/v, PBS 20 mM, pH = 8.5) mixed solution, probe 1 displays rapid fluorescence responses to Hg 2+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity through Hg 2+ -triggered releasing of a compound possessing “ESIPT+AIE” characteristics. Cell imaging investigations indicate that probe 1 is cell permeable with low toxicity to MCF-7 cells, and applicable to detect Hg 2+ ions in living MCF-7 cells.