A gram-scalable and air-stable 2,2-diphenyl-1,3-dithiolane-bridged bis-1, 8-naphthalimide fluorescent probe for efficient Hg2+ detection

A simple, novel, and gram-scalable fluorescent probe material (NIT) containing a 2,2-diphenyl-1,3-dithiolane-bridged bis-1,8-naphthalimide unit with excellent air environment stability has been reported. NIT can effectively detect [Formula: see text] according to the variation in the fluorescence characteristics of NIT with and without [Formula: see text]. The selectivity, concentration titration, pH applicable range, and detection limit of NIT in 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran/water have been investigated. The results show NIT possesses high selectivity, a wide pH applicable range of 3-13, and sensitivity to detect [Formula: see text]. NIT also indicates the potential application in real environmental water samples for detecting [Formula: see text].