A fluorescence ratiometric sensor for hypochlorite based on a novel dual-fluorophore response approach

A fluorescence ratiometric sensor for OCl(-) has been developed based on a novel dual fluorophore response approach. The sensor molecule contains a coumarin fluorophore and a rhodamine fluorophore, and the two fluorophores are directly linked to an OCl(-) recognition group. The structure of the sensor was characterized by ESI-MS, NMR, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Upon treatment with OCl(-), both fluorophores in the sensor responded simultaneously at two separate optical windows, with large enhancement of the fluorescence ratio (I578/I501) from 0.01 to 39.55. The fluorescence ratios for the sensor showed a good linearity with the concentration of OCl(-) in the range of 0.2-40 μM and the detection limits is 0.024 μM (SN(-1)=3). Investigation of reaction products indicated that the sensor reaction with OCl(-) produced two new fluorescent molecules, which were responsible for the fluorescence changes in two optical windows. In addition, the sensor showed high selectivity to OCl(-) over other reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, cations, and anions. The sensor has also been successfully applied to detection of OCl(-) in natural water samples with satisfactory recovery.