Single excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) chemodosimeter based on rhodol for both Hg2+ and OCl−: ratiometric detection with live-cell imaging†
Abstract
For ratiometric, fluorogenic and “naked eye” detection of the environmentally and biologically important ions Hg2+ and OCl− in one platform, a 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-benzothiazole (HBT) inserted thiolactam containing a new rhodol system, spirothiolactamized benzothiazole substituted N,N-diethylrhodol (STBR), is designed and synthesized. We can detect Hg2+ and OCl− in solutions by a simple, easy-to-synthesize practical ratiometric chemodosimeter with two different modes of reactions with a low detection limit. The observed color in the presence of Hg2+ or OCl− may arise from the reaction of Hg2+ or OCl− with STBR – the thiolactam moiety is broken and it helps to achieve maximum π–π* conjugation which results in a brilliant red fluorescence. From 1H-NMR and ESI-MS data, it is clear that the modes of the reaction for Hg2+ and OCl− are different. Test strips are also prepared to observe color changes. The sensing phenomena are fruitfully applied for live-cell imaging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells (from a short to long time range, 0 min to 120 min). The single crystal X-ray structure of the synthesised ESIPT rhodol moiety is also reported.
Please wait while we load your content...
