Simple aggregation-induced ratiometric emission active benzo[h]chromene derivative for detection of bisulfite in living cells

Abstract Monitoring levels of SO2 and its derivatives, including sulfite (SO32−) and bisulfite (HSO3−) ions, in biological systems is of great importance because their aberrant concentrations in cells may cause several diseases. Aggregation-induced-emission (AIE) active probes are exhibited good photophysical properties in aqueous solution, and have been applied in many fields. Herein, we report benzo[h]chromene aldehyde (1) with aggregation-induced ratiometric emission (AIRE) that showed a blue emission in a solution, whereas in an aggregate state, a green emission with 43-nm Stocks shift was observed. Furthermore, this green AIRE was specifically quenched using HSO3− under physiological conditions owing to the formation of a water-soluble and non-emissive product after the addition of bisulfite to the aldehyde group of 1. Finally, the imaging experiments indicated that probe 1 could be utilized to detect exogenous HSO3− in HeLa cells.