A fluorescent turn-on probe for detection of HSO4− ion based on hydrolysis of BODIPY-derived Schiff base with chromogenic and fluorogenic dual signals

•In presence of HSO4−, L shows a significant color changes from pink to yellow.•Non-fluorescent L upon interaction with HSO4− ions displays a 114-fold fluorescence enhancement at 533nm, resulting in strong green emission.•L can be successfully applied as a bioimaging agent for monitoring HSO4− in HeLa cells. A novel colorimetric fluorescent chemosensor for HSO4− using BODIPY-based Schiff base (L) has been developed. L is capable of showing high selectivity and sensitivity toward HSO4− over a wide range of other interfering anions. In presence of HSO4−, L shows a significant blue-shift in the absorption spectra from 523 to 497nm and an increase of the ratio of the absorbance at 497 and 523nm (A497/A523) over 150-fold, which induces color changes from pink to yellow. Non-fluorescent L upon interaction with HSO4− ions displays a 114-fold fluorescence enhancement at 533nm, resulting in strong green emission. The binding mode of L with HSO4− has been investigated by Job's plot, 1H NMR and HRMS measurements. The sensing mechanism is suggested to proceed via a hydrolysis process. In addition, the cell imaging experiments demonstrate that L can be successfully applied as a bioimaging agent for monitoring HSO4− in HeLa cells.