A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe BCB was reported for the first time for the sensitive and selective analysis of Ag based on two Boradiazaindacene (BODIPY) as both the reference fluorophore and recognition part. Upon the addition of Ag ions, a strong fluorescence emission at 570 nm from recognition BODIPY would be appeared, whereas the fluorescence of the other BODIPY at 535 nm would be a constant reference fluorescence signal. As a result, the ratio of fluorescence intensity (λ570/λ535) was changed from 0.16 to 1.0. And the selectivity of BCB towards Ag over other metal ion was excellent. Other metal ions, such as Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Ni, Pb and Zn showed negligible changes in the both absorption and fluorescence spectra of BCB.

A general method for the synthesis of trans-4-nitrostilbenes has been developed. The trans-4-nitrostilbene could be synthesized in good yields under microwave irradiation within 10 min through Perkin reaction by using 4-nitrophenylacetic acid, benzaldehydes and pyrrolidine.