Synthesis and characterization of a novel fluorescent and colorimetric probe for the detection of mercury (II) even in the presence of relevant biothiols

We present here a novel probe, coumarin 3-azomethine derivative (AGB), which can detect selectively mercuric ions (Hg2+) via a hydrolysis reaction promoted by these ions. Interestingly, the probe can be used to assess the response to Hg2+ even in the presence of the most important biothiols-glutathione and cysteine-and could be used in the Hg2+-imaging in living cells.

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