Extremely selective “turn-on” fluorescence detection of hypochlorite confirmed by proof-of-principle neurological studies via esterase action in living cells

Highly specific and sensitive fluorescence detection of hypochlorite in nonbiotic pure water (rapid “turn-on”, ∼400 fold, λem ∼ 560 nm) as well as in living neuronal cell cultures (neutral pH) involves oxidation of a 2-sulfide-2-benzoic acid pendent group in a new meso-thienyl-BODIPY donor–acceptor probe.