A highly sensitive and selective fluorescence chemosensor for Fe^sup 3+^ based on rhodamine and its application in vivo imaging

We synthesized a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe 1, which could be used for the optical detection of Fe3+. Compared with other commonly coexistent metal ions in aqueous system, it exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe3+, and the detection limit was only 4.2 × 10−8 M. In addition, the rapid enhancement of fluorescence intensity on addition of Fe3+ provided a good method for the detection of Fe3+. What’s more, the colour change was visible and distinct, so it could be used for the naked-eye detection of Fe3+. Furthermore, the fluorescent probe was proved to be effective when used for sensing Fe3+ in living cells and zebrafish. These results showed its values in biological aspects.