An AIE active probe for specific sensing of Hg 2+ based on linear conjugated bis Schiff base
Abstract A novel aggregation induced emission (AIE) active linear conjugated bis Schiff base compound, (E) N,N' bis(4 (Z) 2 (4 butoxyphenyl) 1 cyanovinylphenyl) 1,4 benzenebismethaneimine (4) containing a cyanostilbene unit was designed, synthesized and characterized. The distinct change of color and/or fluorescence emission of 4 Hg2+ in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and THF/water solution provided a simple and easy discrimination way for Hg2+ by "naked eye" or using a UV lamp. The aggregating patterns of 4 were applied to explain the mechanism of sensing. The as synthesized sample showed comparatively high selectivity and sensitivity to Hg2+ through fluorescence "turn on" response with a low detection limit (3.4 x 10 9 M in THF, 2.4 x 10 7 M in THF/water) The results implied that the as made sample could effectively act as Hg2+ sensor not only in THF and THF/water but in living cells.