A BOPHY based fluorescent probe for Hg(2+)via NTe2 chelation

A BOPHY-based organotellurium-containing probe was synthesized and characterized via single crystal XRD for the selective and sensitive detection of Hg2+ over other metal ions. The probe detects Hg2+ in less than 1 s with a 2.5-fold enhancement in fluorescent intensity. Due to the chalcogenophilicity of mercury, Hg2+ was facilely trapped in the NTe2 chelating cavity of the probe. The probe can detect Hg2+ in the nanomolar range (62 nM) and it showed reversibility with S2- ions. The sensitivity of the probe for the detection of Hg2+ was confirmed in living HeLa cells.