2-(2-Pyridyl) benzimidazole-based ternary Mn(ii) complex as an arsenate selective turn-on fluorescence probe: ppb level determination and cell imaging studies

2-(2-Pyridyl) benzimidazole based ternary Mn(II) complex (MnPBINCO) is established as an arsenate selective turn-on fluorescence probe in HEPES buffered (0.1 M, methanol/water = 0.5/99.5, v/v, pH 7.4) solution for the first time. MnPBINCO can determine the presence of HAsO42− at concentrations as low as 1 × 10−10 M and efficiently detect intracellular HAsO42− under a fluorescence microscope.