A colorimetric and near-infrared fluorescent probe for detection of hydrogen sulfide and its real multiple applications.

A novel colorimetric and near-infrared fluorescent probe (L) with D-π-A structure derived from 4-diethylaminosalicylaldehyde and 2-(3-cyano-4,5,5-trimethylfuran-2(5H)-ylidene)malononitrile has been developed. Probe L displays highly selective and sensitive recognition for H2S over various anions with a large Stokes shift (96 nm) in DMF/H2O (3/7, v/v, PBS-HCl 10 mM, pH = 7.4). A naked-eye observable color change of L solution from colorless to bluish-purple occurred on treatment with H2S. The potential applications of probe L were evaluated and the results show that probe L can detect H2S vapor and H2S in real water, red wine and living cells.