A new colorimetric chemodosimeter for mercury ion via specific thioacetal deprotection in aqueous solution and living cells

A sensitive and selective new chemodosimeteric chemosensor (DIBT) for mercury ions was successfully devised and characterized. Upon addition of Hg2+ to DIBT, a red-edge absorption band at 972 nm was observed. An important feature for the new chemodosimeter is its high selectivity toward mercury ions over the other competitive species due to Hg2+-triggered specific C–S cleavage, making the ‘naked-eye’ detection of mercury ions possible in aqueous solution and living cells such as Candida albicans.