Rhodamine-hydroxamate-based fluorescent chemosensor for FeIII

A hydroxamate-based chemosensor, which responds fluorescently and colorimetrically to FeIII in micromolar ranges, has been developed. The rhodamine hydroxamate probe is prepared in two steps from rhodamine B base. The biomimetic hydroxamate binding site is attached to the rhodamine fluorophore to recognize FeIII selectively over other biologically important metal ions.