A facile ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for hydrazine based on Ing–Manske hydrazinolysis and its applications in living cells

• Synthesis of phthalimide appended naphthalimide fluorescent chemodosimeter.
• Detection of hydrazine in semi-aqueous buffer solution via Ing–Manske hydrazinolysis.
• Unique and distinctive ratiometric responses in high basic pH solutions.
• Fruitful utilization of the probe for the detection of hydrazine in living cells.

A facile and sensitive fluorescent probe for hydrazine was successfully constructed, displaying excellent colorimetric and ratiometric responses towards hydrazine via Ing–Manske hydrazinolysis conditions in semi-aqueous buffer solution. Semi-empirical calculations as well as spectroscopic results revealed the signalling mechanism of the current probe under hydrazinolysis conditions, in which hydrazine exclusively deprotected the phthalimide group by an intermediate of phthalhydrazide. Extensive screening of pH effects on the probe with the aid of proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry supported the distinctive and diverse ratiometric responses under hydrazinolysis and basic hydrolysis conditions. Time resolved photoluminescence measurements of the probe further confirmed its discernible ratiometric responses probed at respective wavelengths. A distinctive ratiometric response under basic hydrolysis conditions and a successful utilization of probe towards hydrazine detection in living cells are demonstrated.

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