A novel multifunctional BODIPY-derived probe for the sequential recognition of Hg2+ and I−, and the fluorometric detection of Cr3+

Abstract A new multifunctional probe made up of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) and benzimidazole neighboring phenol was designed and synthesized. This probe displays a colorimetric recognition of Hg 2+ and a ‘turn off’ fluorescent response to Cr 3+ at physiological condition. The ‘in situ’ ensemble of host and Hg 2+ shows a selective and ratiometric detection of I − via the formation of three-component ensemble. These systems were further used to detect their corresponding targets in real water sample with acceptable recovery. Compared to the comprehensive report of the single-target responsive chemosensor, these results provided an approach to design the challenging multifunctional probe.