A ratiometric “two-in-one” fluorescent chemodosimeter for fluoride and hydrogen sulfide

Styryl-BODIPY containing 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl, DNBS, and trihexylsilylacetylene units, THS, shows fast and high differential responses for fluoride and hydrogen sulfide sensing. The chemodosimeter can sense F− expressed by a large 60 nm blue-shift of the fluorescence band as well as an emission intensity enhancement with a lower detection limit of 14.5 nM, while it can also sense HS− by fluorescence in a quasi-OFF-ON manner with a 10-nm red-shift of the luminescence band. The fluorescence of the probe is stable and pH-independent in the physiological pH range. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the single fluorescent molecule sensing both F− and HS− each with distinct spectroscopic responses. Finally, the probe has been used successfully for bioimaging the hydrogen sulfide in living cells. This “two-in-one” design strategy will inspire more multimodal agents for various applications.