Abstract:To address the limitations of existing arylboronic acid-based fluorescent probes, such as relatively slow response time, low sensitivity, and short excitation wavelengths, this study presents ade novo design and synthetic approach. Utilizing a “three-in-one” strategy, we expanded the π-conjugated system of the aryl group in the fluorescent probes. The newly developed probe exhibits a maximum excitation wavelength of 365nm and a maximum emission wavelength of 420nm in 10mM HEPES buffer. It achieves an impressive detection limit of 0.6 ppb for divalent mercury (Hg2+) with a response time of less than 1 minute, and a detection limit of 2.8 ppb for methylmercury (CH3Hg+) with a response time of under 8 minutes. Importantly, the probe maintains excellent performance in real water samples, including tap water, river water, and groundwater, achieving detection limits as low as 5 ppb for Hg2+ and CH3Hg+. This work provides a promising strategy for developing highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probes for the detection of mercury and methylmercury ions.