A novel BODIPY-Schiff base-based colorimetric and fluorometric dosimeter for Hg2+, Fe3+ and Au3+

A novel Schiff base-based multi-target dosimeter for Hg2+, Fe3+ and Au3+ has been designed and synthesized. Upon addition of Hg2+, Fe3+ and Au3+ to the aqueous solution of compound BODIPY-TRIA, the dosimeter gave a rapid fluorescence response and displayed an obvious fluorescence enhancement with a blue-shift. Meanwhile, a sharp color change from purple to pale yellow occurred, which was readily detected by the naked eye. The hydrolysis of the Schiff base promoted by Hg2+, Fe3+ and Au3+ has been discussed, and the possible mechanism was confirmed by H-1 NMR and MS studies. The dosimeter showed high sensitivity (10 nM for Au3+), good stability, and excellent selectivity for Hg2+, Fe3+ and Au3+ with interference by other metal ions.