A novel ratiometric fluorescent sensor for Ag+ based on two fluorophores

Abstract A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe BCB was reported for the first time for the sensitive and selective analysis of Ag + based on two Boradiazaindacene (BODIPY) as both the reference fluorophore and recognition part. Upon the addition of Ag + ions, a strong fluorescence emission at 570 nm from recognition BODIPY would be appeared, whereas the fluorescence of the other BODIPY at 535 nm would be a constant reference fluorescence signal. As a result, the ratio of fluorescence intensity ( λ 570/ λ 535) was changed from 0.16 to 1.0. And the selectivity of BCB towards Ag + over other metal ion was excellent. Other metal ions, such as Cd 2+ , Cu 2+ , Fe 3+ , Hg 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ni 2+ , Pb 2+ and Zn 2+ showed negligible changes in the both absorption and fluorescence spectra of BCB .