Design of ICT-PET fluorescent probes for zinc(II) based on 5-aryl-2,2′-bipyridines

Rational design of selective and sensitive 'off-on' fluorescent probes for Zn(II) cations exploiting both PET and ICT mechanisms of sensing is illustrated by the synthesis and application of 5-aryl-2,2′-bipyridines modified with a dipicolylaminomethyl fragment. The aryl substituent provides tuning of the properties.