An Aurone‐derived Low‐molecular‐weight Fluorescence Probe for the Detection of Hg2+ in Aqueous Solution and Living Cells

A low‐molecular‐weight fluorescent probe 1 (M.W. = 238.24) based on aurone was synthesized, and its application in fluorescent detection of Hg²⁺ in aqueous solution and living cells was reported. It exhibited an “on–off” fluorescent response toward Hg²⁺ in aqueous solution. Both the color and fluorescence changes of the probe were remarkably specific for Hg²⁺ in the presence of other common metal ions, satisfying the selective requirements for biomedical and environmental monitoring application. The probe has been applied in direct measurement of Hg²⁺ content in river water samples and imaging of Hg²⁺ in living cells, which further indicates the potential application values in environmental and biological systems.