A Naphthalimide‐Based Fluorescence “Turn‐On” Probe for the Detection of Pb2+ in Aqueous Solution and Living Cells

Abstract An easily available naphthalimide‐based fluorescent probe NPA for Pb 2+ detection was successfully developed. NPA exhibited an obvious fluorescence turn‐on response toward Pb 2+ in aqueous solution and in living cells. Moreover, a series of model compounds were rationally designed and synthesized in order to explore the sensing mechanism and binding mode of NPA with Pb 2+ .