BODIPY based colorimetric fluorescent probe for selective thiophenol detection: theoretical and experimental studies

Abstract

A BODIPY-based selective thiophenol probe capable of discriminating aliphatic thiols is reported. The fluorescence off–on effect upon reaction with thiol is elucidated with theoretical calculations. The sensing of thiophenol is associated with a color change from red to yellow and 63-fold enhancement in green fluorescence. Application of the probe for selective thiophenol detection is demonstrated by live cell imaging.