A highly selective colorimetric and long-wavelength fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg²

Currently, the fluorescent probe is an important method for detecting heavy metal ions, especially mercury ion (Hg²⁺ ), which is harmful to the health of humans and the environment due to its toxicity and extensive use. In this paper, we designed and synthesized a colorimetric and long-wavelength fluorescent probe Hg-P with high sensitivity and excellent selectivity, which could detect Hg²⁺ by the changes of visual color, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. With the addition of Hg²⁺ to probe Hg-P solution, its color changed from yellow to pink, and showed a 171 nm red-shifted absorption spectrum. Probe Hg-P was used in real water and soil solution samples to detect Hg²⁺ , and the result is satisfactory. Therefore, this new probe shows great value and application in detecting Hg²⁺ in the environment.