An aqueous red emitting fluorescent fluoride sensing probe exhibiting a large Stokes shift and its application in cell imaging.

A novel red emitting fluorescent probe exhibiting a 143 nm Stokes shift for the detection of fluoride ions in an aqueous solution was developed. The probe displays a rapid response, high selectivity and good sensitivity towards F(-). Application of the probe for the selective detection of intracellular F(-) has been successfully demonstrated in living cells.