Novel diaminomaleonitrile-based fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection and bioimaging of hypochlorite

A diaminomaleonitrile derivative (DMD) has been developed as a novel ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescent probe for OCl− detection. The probe DMD exhibited promptly a color change from canary yellow to gules upon the addition of OCl−, which could be easily observed by naked-eyes. In addition, the detection limit was found to be 0.5 nM, which is much lower than that of many reported OCl− probes. More importantly, owing to its excellent sensing properties and negligible cytotoxicity, probe DMD can be conveniently applied to image intracellular OCl− in living cells. [Display omitted] •A ratiometric, colorimetric fluorescent probe was developed.•The probe could highly sensitive and selective detected of hypochlorite.•The detect limitation is down to 0.5 nM.•This probe was successfully used to achieve living cell imaging. Highly sensitive and selective detection for hypochlorite anion (OCl−) is of extreme significance due to its important role and function in biological systems. Herein, a diaminomaleonitrile derivative (DMD) has been developed as a novel ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescent probe for OCl− detection. Consistent with the UV–vis spectral change, the probe DMD exhibited promptly a color change from canary yellow to gules upon the addition of OCl−, which could be easily observed by naked-eyes. In addition, the detection limit was found to be 0.5 nM, which is much lower than that of many reported OCl− probes. More importantly, owing to its excellent sensing properties and negligible cytotoxicity, probe DMD can be conveniently applied to image intracellular OCl− in living cells, indicating it a promising tool in biological applications.