In this study, we report a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (CMBI) for the detection of hypochlorite (ClO−), which displays colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence dual responses towards ClO−. The probe can detect ClO− with high selectivity, fast response (within 90 s) as well as low detection limit (33 nM). An oxidation reaction was proposed for the sensing mechanism, which was confirmed by 1H NMR and HR-MS spectra. Fluorescence co-localization studies demonstrated that CMBI was a specific mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for ClO− with excellent cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, confocal fluorescence images of HeLa cell indicated that CMBI could be used for monitoring intracellular ClO− in living cells by ratiometric fluorescence imaging.
