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

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.