A dual channel chemodosimeter for Hg2+ and Ag+ using a 1,3-dithiane modified BODIPY

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in the development and application of chemical probes capable of simultaneously recognizing more than one analyte. Based on the concept of aldehyde group protection/deprotection, a new BODIPY based dual-channel chemodosimeter for Hg2+ and Ag+ has been developed. Upon addition of Hg2+ to the solution of probe 1, the deprotection reaction happened immediately, accompanied with an apparent colour change which was readily detected by the naked eye. Probe 1 also gave a response to Ag+ and displayed fluorescence enhancement without wavelength shift.