A dual channel sulphur-containing a macrocycle functionalised BODIPY probe for the detection of Hg(II) in a mixed aqueous solution

We report herein the synthesis and chromo-fluorogenic behaviour of a new probe 1 containing a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) unit electronically connected with a dithia-dioxa-aza macrocycle. Acetonitrile and water-acetonitrile 95 : 5 v/v solutions of the probe showed an ICT band in the visible zone and are nearly non-emissive. When acetonitrile was used as a solvent, addition of Hg(II) and trivalent metal cations induced an hypsochromic shift of the absorption band and moderate emission enhancements. A highly selective response was obtained when using competitive media such as water-acetonitrile 95 : 5 v/v. In this case only Hg(II) induced a hypsochromic shift of the absorption band and a marked emission enhancement.