A coumarin based fluorescent probe for rapidly distinguishing of hypochlorite and copper (II) ion in organisms.

A dual-functional fluorescent probe based on coumarin fluorophore for monitoring ClO and Cu was synthesized and characterized. The identification mechanisms for ClO and Cu induced different colorimetric and ratiometric changes. ClO caused a colorimetric change from yellow to colorless and 120 nm blue-shifted emission spectra from red to blue. Besides, Cu induced a remarkable fluorescence quenching behavior and 36 nm blue-shifted absorption spectra accompanied by the color change from yellow to luminous yellow. As expected, Probe 1 displayed excellent selectivity and sensitivity for detecting ClO and Cu over other competing ions in their respective systems. The limits of detection for ClO and Cu were 24.62 nM and 0.39 nM, respectively. The recognition mechanisms were proved by H NMR, mass spectrum and theoretical calculations. More importantly, the reversibility of Cu could be applicable to rapid quantification for ClO/Cu. Thus, the strategy for sensing ClO/Cu was carried out, which revealed broad applications of Probe 1 in multiple actual water and biology.