Tb(III)-DO3A and BODIPY dyad as multimode responsive hypochlorite probe

A multimode responsive hypochlorite probe 1, based on Terbium (III)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (Tb(III)-DO3A) and 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY), is described. We have shown that probe 1 can detect ClO^- by absorption, fluorescence, and phosphorescence simultaneously. The multimode response makes probe 1 a versatile ClO^- probe for practical applications. We have found that probe 1 can be used in naked-eye colorimetric and fluorogenic detection of NaOCl in solution. Also, we have constructed a colorimetric test paper for visual sensing of NaOCl. Furthermore, fluorescence imaging studies indicated that probe 1 was a versatile tool for in vitro imaging of NaOCl in living cells. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, probe 1 represents one of the rare examples of multimode responsive ClO^- probes.