A ratiometric fluorescent probe based on cyclization mechanism to identify hydrazine in environment and living cells

A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe CCA containing hydroxyl-chalcone moiety as sensing site has been investigated to monitor hydrazine in actual water/soils, gas environment, and living cells. After adding hydrazine, the chalcone structure was cyclized and dihydropyrazole ring was formed, realizing the obvious fluorescence change from red (590 nm) to blue (480 nm) with 110 nm fluorescence peak shift. The probe has low detection limit (0.45 µM), large upgraded ratiometric fluorescence change (I480/I590, 66-fold), and wide pH work range (3.0–10.0). Probe CCA also can monitor hydrazine from actual water/soil samples, liquid/vapor hydrazine with portability and living cells.