Cyclen-functionalized perylenediimides PBI-1 and PBI-2 were first synthesized as highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensors for Pb(2+) in aqueous solution. PBI-2 shows a better selectivity for Pb(2+) in the presence of other metal ions and, importantly, it can successfully enter the cell and be applied in imaging of living cells.

A new class of dual fluorescent chemosensors for nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) based on phosphonated pyrene derivatives is reported, showing high selectivity towards trinitrotoluene (TNT). The strong intermolecular interactions (π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding) allow high fluorescence quenching with visual detection in short response times.

Environmental contaminants pose a substantial health risk in many areas of the world. One of these risks is contamination of water with toxic organic species, such as herbicides and insecticides. Here we describe the discovery and properties of a set of fluorescent chemosensors that respond to micromolar concentrations of a broad range of common organic pesticides. The chemosensors are short DN...

Fluorescent chemosensorssmolecules that change their fluorescence in response to substrate bindingsoffer an extremely sensitive optical method for the real-time monitoring of molecular interactions.1 Such chemosensors are finding increased use in fields as diverse as biology, medical analysis, and environmental monitoring.1a,6 The majority of fluorescent chemosensors operate by one of three mec...

8-Hydroxyquinoline derivative 1 as a fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+ was synthesized. Because Cd2+ is often found with Zn2+ in the environment and can form fluorescent complexes with chelating fluorophores, a potentially important property of chemosensors for Zn2+ is their selectivity for Zn2+ over Cd2+. The Zn2+ or Cd2+ complexes of 1 gave an emission band from the 1:1 complex, but the fluore...