A BOPHY based fluorescent probe for Hg²⁺via NTe₂ chelation.

Area of Science:

• Chemical sensing
• Materials science
• Analytical chemistry

Background:

• Mercury ions (Hg²⁺) pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Development of selective and sensitive detection methods for Hg²⁺ is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel organotellurium-containing probe for Hg²⁺ detection.
• To evaluate the probe's selectivity, sensitivity, response time, and reversibility.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a BOPHY-based organotellurium probe.
• Characterization using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Fluorescence spectroscopy for Hg²⁺ detection in solution and living cells.

Main Results:

• The probe exhibited selective and sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ over other metal ions.
• Rapid response (<1 s) with a 2.5-fold fluorescence enhancement.
• Detection limit in the nanomolar range (62 nM) and reversible detection with sulfide ions (S^2-).
• Successful application in detecting Hg²⁺ in living HeLa cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed organotellurium probe is a promising tool for rapid and sensitive Hg²⁺ detection.
• Its ability to function in biological environments highlights its potential for practical applications.
• The probe's design leverages mercury's chalcogenophilicity for efficient trapping.