A dual-analytes responsive fluorescent probe for discriminative detection of ClO− and N2H4 in living cells

Hydrazine (N2H4) and ClO- are very harmful for public health, hence it is important and necessary to monitor them in living cells. Herein, we rationally designed and synthesized a dual-analytes responsive fluorescent sensor PTMQ for distinguishing detection of N2H4 and ClO-. PTMQ underwent N2H4-induced double bond cleavage, affording colorimetric and green fluorescence enhancement with good selectivity and a low detection limit (89nM). On the other hand, PTMQ underwent ClO--induced sulfur oxidation and displayed red fluorescence lighting-up response towards ClO- with good selectivity, rapid response (<0.2min) and a low detection limit (58nM). Moreover, PTMQ was successfully employed for in-situ imaging of N2H4 and ClO- in living cells.