A novel 'turn-on' coumarin-based fluorescence probe with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) for sensitive detection of hydrazine and its imaging in living cells.

An aggregation-induced emission (AIE)- and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)-based probe 1 (7‑hydroxy‑3‑(3‑methyl‑isoxazol‑5‑yl)‑chromen‑2‑one) that is highly selective for N 2 H 4 has been synthesized, exhibiting a 'turn-on' response toward N 2 H 4 in CH 3 CN/H 2 O solution. The detection limit of the probe was 2.90 ppb, which was evidently lower than the threshold limit value (10 ppb) recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. Notably, the sensor could be used for the detection of N 2 H 4 in living cells. Unlabelled Image • A simple coumarin-based fluorescent sensor for hydrazine in either solution or aggregation states has been developed. • The sensor is an aggregation induced emission (AIE) active compound. • The probe could act as a fluorescent turn-on sensor toward hydrazine. • The probe has been applied in monitoring hydrazine in living cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]