A fluorous-tag-assisted fluorescent probe for simple and selective detection of hydrogen sulfide: application for turbid dyeing solutions

Abstract

Accurate hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) detection has attracted much attention because its toxicity may affect aquatic environments and human health. However, recognizing H₂S levels by conventional fluorescent probes in turbid wastewater has been challenging because the opaque environment interferes with their photophysical properties. To overcome this limitation, a fluorous-tagging strategy can be used for the development of fluorescent sensors to detect H₂S in turbid solutions. The use of fluorescent probe assisted with fluorous-tag allowed for easy isolation of the probe using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material, while disturbing species were eliminated through a simple aqueous wash. This approach enabled the fluorescent probe to effectively quantify H₂S, even in opaque solutions containing organic dyes that could interfere with fluorescence emission.