A Simple Fluorescent Probe Derived from Naphthylamine for Selective Detection of Hg^II, Fe^II and Fe^III Ions in Mixed Aqueous Media: Applications in Living Cells and Logic Gates

Abstract

Abstract A naphthylamine‐based probe was utilized for the detection of Hg II , Fe II and Fe III in mixed aqueous media by fluorescence quenching. These sensitive metal ions bind with the probe by forming a 1:1 complex. The time‐resolved fluorescence and quantum yield of the probe in the absence as well as in the presence of metal ions were investigated. The extent of binding of the probe with sensitive metal ions was calculated. The sensitivity of the probe in the presence of other metal ions was examined using competitive binding studies. The probe displayed sensitivity towards Hg II during in vitro as well as in vivo studies. This multianalyte probe has potential biological applications in cell imaging and in logic gates. Correspondence that discusses a caveat with regard to these studies is available: DOI 10.1002/ejic.201500566