Cyclen-functionalized perylenebisimides as sensitive and selective fluorescent sensors for Pb2+ in aqueous solution†
Abstract
Cyclen-functionalized perylenediimides PBI-1 and PBI-2 were first synthesized as highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensors for Pb2+ in aqueous solution. PBI-2 shows a better selectivity for Pb2+ in the presence of other metal ions and, importantly, it can successfully enter the cell and be applied in imaging of living cells.