Single fluorescent probe displays a distinct response to Zn2+ and Cd2+.

Single probe, multiple targets: the design and synthesis of a new probe is described that can readily discriminate Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) with different fluorescence signals. The studies of Job's plot, mass spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy reveal that the new probe has possible distinct binding modes to Zn(2+) and Cd(2+). This work may open up new opportunities for the development of single fluorescent probes that can sense multiple targets of interest.