A BODIPY based probe for the reversible "turn on" detection of Au(III) ions

A new "turn on" fluorescent probe for the rapid and selective detection of Au3+ ions over other metal ions was developed. The probe design was constructed on a BODIPY-2-aminopyridine skeleton showing a weak fluorescence emission signal which increased substantially after the coordination of Au3+ ions. The probe displayed remarkable sensing performances such as a low limit of detection (17 nM), a short response time (<1 min), and ability in a wide range of pH's (6-11). The designed probe was found to have 2:1 coordination stoichiometry according to Job's plot analysis and most importantly to interact reversibly with Au3+ ions.