A novel fluorescent pH probe with valuable pKa based on a twisted intramolecular charge transfer mechanism, and its applications in cell imaging†
Abstract
A novel structurally simple and easily prepared pH probe based on a twisted intramolecular charge transfer signalling mechanism, namely Napa-pp, has been designed and synthesized. In aqueous buffer solution, it has a valuable pKa of 5.32 that matches the typical pH range of acidic organelles, hence it is applicable for visualizing lysosomes in living cells.