A naphthylamine‐based probe was utilized for the detection of HgII, FeII and FeIII in mixed aqueous media by fluorescence quenching. These sensitive metal ions bind with the probe by forming a 1:1 complex. The time‐resolved fluorescence and quantum yield of the probe in the absence as well as in the presence of metal ions were investigated. The extent of binding of the probe with sensitive metal ions was calculated. The sensitivity of the probe in the presence of other metal ions was examined using competitive binding studies. The probe displayed sensitivity towards HgII during in vitro as well as in vivo studies. This multianalyte probe has potential biological applications in cell imaging and in logic gates.Correspondence that discusses a caveat with regard to these studies is available: DOI 10.1002/ejic.201500566
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.