A ratiometric fluorescent probe for formaldehyde in aqueous solution, serum and air using aza-cope reaction

Developing simple and selective methods for formaldehyde (FA) detection are of great interest, because FA is not only an environmental pollutant, but also an endogenous bioactive molecule. Herein, a new ratiometric fluorescent probe (HBT-FA) based on aza-Cope reaction was designed and synthesized, which showed high selectivity and ratiometric fluorescence response to FA. Furthermore, the probe could detect FA in various medium, such as aqueous solution, serum and air.