Synthesis and application of benzoxazole derivative-based fluorescent probes for naked eye recognition.

ABSTRACT

A fluorescent probe to detect biothiols (GSH/Hcy/Cys) was synthesized with benzothiazole as the fluorophore and nitromethane as the recognition group. The recognition mechanism of the fluorescent probe was deduced. It was found that a nitroalkene in the molecule was used as the recognition site for this probe and reacted with the mercapto group of the biothiols by electrophilic addition, significantly enhancing the fluorescent signal. Experimental results showed that the fluorescent probe had a low detection limit, good selectivity, strong anti-interference ability, and good naked eye recognition. The probe could detect biothiols (GSH/Hcy/Cys) in 20% organic solvent, with detection limits of 0.33 µM, 0.70 µM, and 0.87 µM, respectively. The probe will be applied further in biosensors and other fields.