Ratiometric fluorescent probe for rapid detection of bisulfite through 1,4-addition reaction in aqueous solution.

A ratiometric fluorescent probe based on a positively charged benzo[e]indolium moiety for bisulfite is reported. The bisulfite underwent a 1,4-addition reaction with the C-4 atom in the ethylene group. This reaction resulted in a large emission wavelength shift (Δλ = 106 nm) and an observable fluorescent color change from orange to cyan. The reaction could be completed in 90 s in a PBS buffer solution and displayed high selectivity and sensitivity for bisulfite. A simple paper test strip system was developed to detect bisulfite rapidly. Probe 1 was used to detect bisulfite in real samples with good recovery.