BODIPY-based ratiometric fluorescent probes for the sensitive and selective sensing of cyanide ions

Three BODIPY-based ratiometric fluorescent probes (1, 2 and 3), with two being highly soluble in aqueous solution, were prepared by the condensation of 2-formyl-BODIPY dyes with 2,3,3-trimethyl-1-propyl-3H-indolium iodide and 2,3,3-trimethyl-1-(3-sulfonatepropyl)-3H-indolium for the selective and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent responses to cyanide ions.