Fluorescence 'on-off-on' chemosensor for sequential recognition of Fe(3+) and Hg(2+) in water based on tetraphenylethylene motif.

A novel selective and sensitive fluorescence 'on-off-on' probe based on tetraphenylethylene (TPE) motif for sequential recognition of Fe(3+) and Hg(2+) in water has been developed. Especially the complex 6-Fe(3+) could behave as a 'turn on' fluorescent sensor over a wide-range pH value for detection of Hg(2+). The selectivity of this complex for Hg(2+) over other heavy and transition metal ions is excellent, and its sensitivity for Hg(2+) is at 2 ppb in water.