Two metal-ion sensing fluorescent probes DMDE and DPDE, which possess a stilbene fluorophore and a N,N-bis-(2-acetoxy-ethyl)-amino receptor, were synthesized through Wittig-Horner reaction. The compounds were characterized by NMR and MS. The influence of different metal ions to the probe in acetonitrile was investigated. The addition of either zinc or silver ion to DMDE results in a new emission peak at 420 nm. The emission peak at 600 nm first increased and then decreased. This indicated that a process of Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) had happened. Otherwise, the 600 nm emission of DPDE decreased and had a bathochromic effect upon the addition of silver or zinc ion, no emission was found at 420 nm.

Key words: Fluorescent probe, metal ion, stilbene, FRET