A novel small molecule fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ based on pyridine-pyridone scaffold

The development of a water-soluble and small molecular weight fluorescent probe, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfanyl)-6-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2(1H)-one (3), for detecting Zn2+ based on pyridine-pyridone skeleton is reported. We observed a clear chelation enhanced fluorescence effect of 3 in the presence of Zn2+. Other fluorescent properties of 3 are discussed.