Simple aggregation-induced ratiometric emission active benzo[h]chromene derivative for detection of bisulfite in living cells.

• A simple benzo[ h ]chromene-based probe toward HSO 3 − has been developed. • The crystal structure of the probe is reported. • The probe is aggregation-induced ratiometric emission active. • The probe responses HSO 3 − in almost pure aqueous solution. • The probe could be utilized to detect exogenous HSO 3 − in HeLa cells. Monitoring levels of SO 2 and its derivatives, including sulfite (SO 3 2−) and bisulfite (HSO 3 −) ions, in biological systems is of great importance because their aberrant concentrations in cells may cause several diseases. Aggregation-induced-emission (AIE) active probes are exhibited good photophysical properties in aqueous solution, and have been applied in many fields. Herein, we report benzo[ h ]chromene aldehyde (1) with aggregation-induced ratiometric emission (AIRE) that showed a blue emission in a solution, whereas in an aggregate state, a green emission with 43-nm Stocks shift was observed. Furthermore, this green AIRE was specifically quenched using HSO 3 − under physiological conditions owing to the formation of a water-soluble and non-emissive product after the addition of bisulfite to the aldehyde group of 1. Finally, the imaging experiments indicated that probe 1 could be utilized to detect exogenous HSO 3 − in HeLa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]