A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor for Pb2+ ions in an aqueous solution

A new fluorescent sensor based on the BODIPY fluorophore and the polyamide receptor for Pb(2+) was designed and synthesized. The sensor is highly selective for Pb(2+) over relevant competing metal ions, and sensitive to ppb levels of Pb(2+). It features the most sensitive probe to date for Pb(2+) ions in water.