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Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Synthesis of Wavelength-shifting DNA Hybridization Probes by Using Photostable Cyanine Dyes
Published on: July 6, 2016
Highly selective, colorimetric probes for cyanide ion based on β-formylBODIPY dyes by an unprecedented nucleophilic
Qinghua Wu1, Shengyuan Wang1, Erhong Hao1
1Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Key Laboratory of Molecular Based Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China.
Abstract:
Two β-formylBODIPYs with strong daylight excitable fluorescence and highly selective visual and colorimetric responses to cyanide anion (CN-) have been prepared. NMR titration experiments have been performed to study the sensing mechanism for these two dyes. Surprisingly, cyanide anion is nucleophilic addition to the α-position of BODIPY core (the azafulvene framework) in aqueous system instead of the expected classical nucleophilic addition to the formyl moiety of the probes. This nucleophilic addition of cyanide anion to the azafulvene framework causes the interruption of the π-conjugation of the BODIPY system, which brings a significant blue-shift (up to 104 nm) of the absorption maxima. A broadened and decreased absorption as well as ratiometrical fluorescence response (with maxima shifts from 523 to 670 nm) were observed with the titration of cyanide anion to probe 1b.
