A PET and ESIPT based fluorescent probe for the imaging of hydrogen sulfide (HS) in live cells and zebrafish

H 2 S is an important signaling molecule in living systems and participates in a series of physiological and pathological processes. In situ and rapid detection of H 2 S levels in living systems is of great importance to the in-depth study of its physiological and pathological roles. Herein, we present a new fluorescent probe ( DFAN ) for the detection of H 2 S in live cells and zebrafish. The probe DFAN utilized the auxiliary action of the ortho -aldehyde group to promote the thiolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether, and achieved a highly sensitive and selective response to H 2 S. The response mechanism of the probe DFAN to H 2 S is an integration of PET and ESIPT mechanisms. Moreover, the probe DFAN was successfully used for the fluorescence imaging of H 2 S in live cells and zebrafish. H 2 S is an important signaling molecule in living systems and participates in a series of physiological and pathological processes.