Single Fluorescent Probe Displays a Distinct Response to Zn2+ and Cd2

Single probe, multiple targets: The design and synthesis of a new probe is described that can readily discriminate Zn2+ and Cd2+ with different fluorescence signals (see figure). The studies of Job's plot, mass spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and 1H NMR spectroscopy reveal that the new probe has possible distinct binding modes to Zn2+ and Cd2+. This work may open up new opportunities for the development of single fluorescent probes that can sense multiple targets of interest.