A rhodamine-benzimidazole based sensor for selective imaging of acidic pH†
Abstract
N-(Rhodamine B)-benzimidazole (RB-IM), featuring an intramolecular spiro-benzimidazole, was developed for selective sensing of protons via opening of the spiro-ring to give fluorescent and colored species. The utility of RB-IM was demonstrated by imaging of lysosomes in live cells and staining of the intestine of zebrafish.