A New Fluorescent Probe for Selective Cd2+ Detection and Cell Imaging

A new highly selective fluorescent probe, ( E )‐4‐(4‐([2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridin]‐4′‐yl)styryl)‐1‐octadecylpyridin‐1‐ium bromide (ZC‐F8), was designed and synthesized for cadmium detection and cell imaging. The fluorescence spectra of ZC‐F8 exhibited its excellent response towards Cd 2+ via intramolecular charge transfer effect and aggregation induced emission effect. The cell‐imaging experiment was carried out to estimate the actual biological application of ZC‐F8. The probe displayed ideal membrane permeable and labeled property for cadmium, indicating its promising application for metal ions detection and tracing in living cells.