An ICT-based strategy to a colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence probe for hydrogen sulfide in living cells

We present a colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe Cy–N3 that exhibits a selective response to H2S. The probe employs a near-infrared cyanine as a fluorophore, and is equipped with an operating azide unit. It is readily employed for assessing intracellular H2S levels, and confocal ratiometric imaging is achieved successfully.