Reaction-Based Two-Photon Probes for Mercury Ions: Fluorescence Imaging with Dual Optical Windows

For fluorescent imaging of mercury ions in living species, two-photon probes with dual optical windows are in high demand but remain unexplored. Several dithioacetals were evaluated, and a probe was found, which, upon reaction with mercury species, yielded a two-photon dye; this conversion accompanies ratiometric emission changes with a 97-nm shift, enabling fluorescent imaging of both the probe and mercury ions in cells by one- and two-photon microscopy for the first time.