Direct ratiometric detection of nitric oxide with Cu(ii)-based fluorescent probes

Abstract

We report the first Cu(II)-based fluorescent sensors for ratiometric detection of nitric oxide. The two probes operate by energy transfer between hydroxycoumarin and fluorescein chromophores, contain polyproline or piperazine as rigid spacers, and elicit a rapid and selective ratiometric response upon direct reaction with nitric oxide.