A new dual-function fluorescent probe of Fe3+ for bioimaging and probe-Fe3+ complex for selective detection of CN−

Abstract

A rhodamine-based probe for Fe3+ was prepared and confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The probe exhibited highly selective and sensitive recognition toward Fe3+ with distinct color change. Interestingly, the probe-Fe3+ complex could detect CN− according to the strong co-ordination ability of cyanide to Fe3+. The whole recognition mechanism was explored through Job's plot, MS data and theoretical calculations. Importantly, the probe was further used for detecting Fe3+ in living cells and mouse, which exhibited excellent fluorescence imaging.