An interesting fluorescent probe with aggregation-induced emission for highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+

Abstract

The development of highly sensitive analytical methods for detection of trace level of mercury (II) has always arouse great interests owing to its notoriously toxicity to natural environment and human health. In this paper, an interesting “turn-on” fluorescent probe L for detection of Hg2+ based on 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde derivative was synthesized, and its chemical structure was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI-MS and single crystal. Probe L exhibits aggregation-induced emission properties and provides a simple and efficient strategy for highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg2+ in an aqueous solution of DMSO/H2O (1:4, v:v). According to job curve and fluorescence titration, probe L with Hg2+ forms a 1:1 ratio of complex, and its lowest detection limit is 6.35×10−9 mol/L. Probe L toward detection of Hg2+ presents significant advantages such as low-cost, structural stability, high water solubility, rapid response and allowing their long-term use. The potent applicants for probe L were also investigated and indicated it could conveniently be made a series of sensor strips and applied to rapidly detect trace Hg2+ in traditional Chinese medicine.