A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor for Pb2+ ions in an aqueous solution

A new fluorescent sensor based on the BODIPY fluorophore and the polyamide receptor for Pb2+ was designed and synthesized. The sensor is highly selective for Pb2+ over relevant competing metal ions, and sensitive to ppb levels of Pb2+. It features the most sensitive probe to date for Pb2+ ions in water.