Development of a pyrene based "turn on" fluorescent chemosensor for Hg2+

We have designed, synthesized, and evaluated a new pyrene-based "turn on" fluorescent chemosensor which showed remarkable enhanced fluorescence intensity in the presence of Hg2+ ions and a high selectivity towards Hg2+ ions over a wide range of metal ions in aqueous acetonitrile (ACN). The probe shows selectivity and sensitivity with a 12-fold enhancement in fluorescence towards Hg2+. Upon the addition of Hg2+ ions, the probe displayed an apparent color change, which could be observed by the naked eye under a UV lamp. It's in vitro sensitivity to Hg2+ was demonstrated in candida albicans cells with the use of confocal microscopy.