A new turn-on chemodosimeter for Hg2+: ICT fluorophore formation via Hg2+-induced carbaldehyde recovery from 1,3-dithiane

A novel sensitive and specific Hg2+ chemodosimeter, derived from 1',3'-dithiane-substituted 2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, displays turn-on fluorescent and colorimetric responses via an Hg2+-triggered aldehyde recovery reaction. Its potential to monitor Hg2+ in living organisms has been demonstrated using zebrafish larvae.