Single-atom switching as a general approach to designing colorimetric and fluorogenic probes for mercury ions

By performing a single-atom replacement within common fluorophores, we have developed a facile and general strategy to prepare a broad-spectrum class of colorimetric and fluorogenic probes for the selective detection of mercury ions in aqueous environments. Thionation of carbonyl groups from existing fluorophore cores results in a great reduction of fluorescence. In the presence of mercury ions, the resulting thiocaged probes are efficiently desulfurized to their oxo derivatives, leading to pronounced changes in chromogenic and fluorogenic signals. Because these probes exhibit high selectivity, excellent sensitivity, good membrane-permeability, and rapid responses towards mercury ions, they are suitable for visualization of mercury in both aqueous and intracellular environments.

Automated summary

A simple and general strategy has been developed to prepare colorimetric and fluorogenic probes for the selective detection of mercury ions in water environments by performing a single-atom replacement within common fluorophores. These probes exhibit pronounced signal changes in the presence of mercury ions, with high selectivity, excellent sensitivity, and rapid responses, making them suitable for visualizing mercury in both aqueous and intracellular environments.