An acenaphthopyrrolone-dipicolylamine derivative as a selective and sensitive chemosensor for group IIB cations

The recently reported acenaphthopyrrolone (ACNP) class of fluorophores have remarkably bright emission in the red end of the visible spectrum. We demonstrated that straightforward derivatization with 2-aminoethyl-dipicolylamine yields a selective and sensitive chemosensor for Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions. Further modifications could result in water-soluble derivatives, with practical applications in intracellular imaging of Zn(II) concentrations.