Meta-CF3-Substituted Analogues of the GFP Chromophore with Remarkable Solvatochromism

In this work, we have shown that the introduction of a trifluoromethyl group into the me-ta-position of arylidene imidazolones (GFP chromophore core) leads to a dramatic increase in their fluorescence in nonpolar and aprotic media. The presence of a pronounced solvent-dependent gradation of fluorescence intensity makes it possible to use these substances as fluorescent polarity sensors. In particular, we showed that one of the created compounds could be used for selective labeling of the endoplasmic reticulum of living cells.

Automated summary

In this work, we demonstrated that the addition of a trifluoromethyl group to the meta-position of arylidene imidazolones (GFP chromophore core) significantly enhances their fluorescence intensity in nonpolar and aprotic solvents. The solvent-dependent modulation of fluorescence intensity allows these compounds to be used as fluorescent polarity sensors. Specifically, we identified a compound suitable for selective labeling of the endoplasmic reticulum in living cells.