Highly sensitive and selective detection of Pd2+ ions using a ferrocene–rhodamine conjugate triple channel receptor in aqueous medium and living cells

Abstract

Herein, a novel ferrocene–rhodamine receptor conjugated with an allylimine bridge was facilely synthesized. This triple channel receptor can selectively and sensitively monitor Pd²⁺ ions through chromogenic, fluorogenic and electrochemical assays in aqueous medium with a low detection limit (8.46 × 10⁻⁹ M) and a fast response (<8 min). It can be applied as a fluorescent probe for effective survey of Pd²⁺ ions in living cells. Moreover, a plausible recognition mode was proposed and rationalized by theoretical calculations.