Simple cyclic chalcone dye with multiple optical functions: Piezochromism and lysosomes staining

[Display omitted] •YB with “D-A” configuration was oobtained by simple modification of dimethylamino group on cyclic chalcone backbone.•YB has significant piezochromic properties and can be transformed into yellow and green fluorescence multiple times by grinding and fuming.•YB has low cytotoxicity and great lysosomal targeting. Both artificially synthesized and naturally occurring cyclic chalcones have been widely studied for their excellent biological activities. However, research on its photophysical properties is still limited. In the present study, we designed and synthesized a small molecule fluorescent dye based on the ICT effect, using dimethylamino as the electron-donating group and carbonyl as the electron withdrawing group, and investigated its photophysical properties in depth. Although YB is a simple small molecule, it exhibits significant piezochromic properties. The fluorescence of YB can change from green to yellow through grinding. After solvent fumigation, the fluorescence reverts to green. Furthermore, YB was used successfully in the lysosomal targeting. This study expands the research on the photophysical properties of cyclic chalcone and give richness to application of cyclic chalcone compounds.