A fast-response, red emission aza-BODIPY-hydrazone-based chemodosimeter for selective detection of HClO

A new aza-BODIPY-hydrazone-based fluorescence probe with red-emission for selective detection of HClO was synthesized and characterized using H-1 and C-13 NMR, IR, and HRMS. The probe demonstrated a fast, red fluorescence response in the detection of HClO. The sensing mechanism originated from the imine C=N bond cleavage by HClO which resulted in the formation of a fluorescent aza-BODIPY aldehyde. The probe showed low toxicity to living cells and the fluorescence imaging experiments in living RAW264.7 cells showed intracellular red fluorescence developed when NaClO and PMA were incubated with the probe, suggesting its potential application for the detection of exogenous and endogenous HClO in living cells. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species do not interfere with activation of a new fluorescence probe. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.