Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based novel ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for Hg2+ detection in aqueous solution and in living cells

A new ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter based on the skeleton of diketopyrrolopyrrole was rationally designed and synthesized, which presented high sensitivity, selectivity for Hg2+ over other metal ions in aqueous solution leading to further applications of cell imaging. Red shift of chemodosimeter on absorption and fluorescence spectra upon Hg2+ binding was observed, which changed linearly with increase of Hg2+. This phenomenon was a typical deprotection process of acetal groups which increased the conjunction of DPP core that were confirmed by DFT.