A selective thioxothiazolidin-coumarin probe for Hg2+ based on its desulfurization reaction. Exploring its potential for live cell imaging

Sensing the most toxic heavy metal (mercury) has attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to its extreme harmfulness to both human health and the environment. Thus, we reported herein the synthesis, spectroscopic and kinetic characterization, and biological evaluation of a new thioxothiazolidin coumarin derivative (ILA92), which undergoes a desulfurization reaction induced by mercuric ions (Hg2+). This process is the origin of a selective sensing of Hg2+ ions in aqueous solution by colorimetric and fluorescent methods. Furthermore, the probe showed great potential for imaging Hg2+ in living cells. [Display omitted] •A new thioxothiazolidin coumarin is designed for specific sensing of mercury.•The sensing is performed colorimetrically and fluorometrically and it is based on a desulfurization reaction.•The detection limit of sensing was obtained 15.6×10−6 M (Absorbance) and 15.1×10−6 M (Fluorescence).•The ILA92 can successfully use for sensing Hg2+ in aqueous medium and living cells.