Novel probes for selective fluorometric sensing of Fe(II) and Fe(III) based on BODIPY dyes

Abstract

Two novel boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) based fluorescence turn-off sensors, whichdemonstrate high selectivity and sensitivity toward Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions, have been reported. A simple andhigh yielded synthesis of fluorescent BODIPY derivatives with malonyl unit for sensitization have beendescribed. This approach provides quick, high yielded, and low-cost preparation of the probes. The twosensors have been comprised of combination of one and two BODIPY fluorophore and a malonyl unit,substituted on meso position of BODIPYs. Synthesized BODIPY derivatives have been characterized viaelemental analyses, mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C spectroscopy and their photophysical properties wereinvestigated by UV- Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The synthesized sensors (2,3) have been used as a fluorescent probe towards the selective and sensitive detection of biologicallyimportant Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in tetrahydrofuran by fluorescence spectroscopy. The limit of detection (LOD)have been calculated to be for the BODIPY 2, 14.61 (Fe2+), 1.22 (Fe3+) and for BODIPY 3, 1.16 (Fe2+) and1.06 (Fe3+).