Colorimetric and fluorescent probe for real-time detection of palladium (II) ion in aqueous medium and live cell imaging

•A new fluorescent probe that can detect trace amounts of Pd(II) ions in real time in aqueous media was synthesized.•The probe displayed the high selectivity towards Pd2+ over other metal ions (Cu2+ and Hg2+ in particular).•The probe showed good cell permeability and Pd2+ could be detected within the cells.

A novel fluorescent and colorimetric sensor (WM-S) was synthesized from coumarin oxime and 2-chloroethyl methyl sulfide in a straightforward manner. The sensor displayed high selectivity for detection of Pd2+ over other metal ions (Cu2+ and Hg2+ in particular). The probe also exhibited high sensitivity for recognition of Pd2+ in aqueous media and can detect trace amounts of Pd2+ in real time, with a detection limit as low as 41.5 nM. Fluorescence imaging experiments of Pd2+ in HeLa cells indicated that the sensor can penetrate cell membranes and effectively detect intracellular Pd2+.

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