A 4-hydroxynaphthalimide-derived ratiometric fluorescent probe for hydrazine and its in vivo applications

A new ratiometric fluorescent probe for hydrazine based on a 4-hydroxynaphthalimide fluorophore was developed. The selective deprotection of the acetate group of the probe by hydrazine led to a prominent fluorescence ratiometric change, as well as a remarkable color change which could be distinguished by naked-eye. The reaction between the probe and hydrazine completed in 5 min under the analytical system, and displayed a high selectivity and sensitivity for hydrazine against other primary amines and environmental and/or biological abundant ions. Moreover, the probe could be applied for hydrazine detection both in water samples and in vivo.