Detection of hydrogen sulfide using BODIPY based colorimetric and fluorescent on-off chemosensor

A colorimetric and fluorescence turn-off probe 10-(4-azido phenyl)-5,5-difluoro-5h-dipyrrolo[1,2-c:1',2'-f][1,3,2] diazaborinin-4-ium-5-uide, 1, for selective detection of H₂S is reported. The probe displayed a robust decrease in fluorescence intensity with high sensitivity, specificity and least toxicity to detect exogenous H₂S and also in live normal human oral fibroblast cells loaded with probe 1. The detection limit of probe 1 being 0.17 µm for H₂S.

Graphic abstract

A colorimetric and fluorescence turn-off BODIPY probe 1, for selective detection of exogenous H₂S in live normal human oral fibroblast cells loaded with probe 1 and poisonous H₂S gas formed under biodegradation in sewage waters and water tanks and corroded pipe lines. The detection limit of probe 1 being 0.17 μM