A Molecular Chameleon with Fluorescein and Rhodamine Spectroscopic Behaviors

A new class of fluorescein/rhodamine hybrids with two spirolactone rings was reported to exhibit dual-output fluorescent behaviors independently. Isolation and characterization for two diastereomers, trans-RhOH and cis-RhOH, have been made and their X-ray crystal structures determined. In a basic environment, the spirolactone ring on the hydroxyl side will be opened to give a fluorescein-like optical output with the lowest absorptions at 485 and 530 nm emission. On the other hand, a rhodamine-like optical output, i.e., 528 nm absorption and 575 nm emission, will be switched on by a H(+) or a Hg(2+) ion, attributed to the spirolactone ring opening on the amino side. In a methanol-buffer system with different pH values, the corresponding pKa values for the hydroxyl and amino groups were determined as 5.7 and 2.3, respectively. Selective Hg(2+)-sensing properties have also been discussed, and log Ks values of about 3.60 and 3.73 were determined. Confocal microscopic images of Caenorhabditis elegans incubated with RhOH were found to show enhanced fluorescent intensity with a Hg(2+) ion, demonstrating the potential application of RhOH for in vivo biological imaging.