A rhodamine derivative as a highly sensitive chemosensor for iron(iii)

Abstract

A novel rhodamine-based fluorescent probe P1 was synthesized for the optical detection of Fe³⁺. Compared with other commonly coexisting metal ions in aqueous system, it exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe³⁺. The detection limit was only 0.1 μM with fluorescence experiment. The rapid enhancement of fluorescence intensity on the addition of Fe³⁺ provided a good method for the detection for Fe³⁺. The color change was visible and distinct, so it could be used for naked-eye detection. Furthermore, the fluorescent probe was proved effective when used for detecting Fe³⁺ in living cells and zebrafish. This showed its values in biological aspects.