Chromogenic and fluorogenic chemosensors for hydrogen sulfide: review of detection mechanisms since the year 2009

Abstract

The development of probes for the biologically important gas hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been an active area of research in recent years. This review summarizes recent work on the recognition mechanisms used by chromogenic and fluorogenic sensors and their applications in the detection of H₂S. Several types of recognition mechanisms have been reported, including cleavage of the alcoxyl (R–O) bond, cleavage of the S–O bond, reduction of the azide group, the reduction of nitro groups to amines, the replacement of a copper complex and double bond addition reactions. In all instances the reactions are accompanied by changes in color and/or emission. These recognition mechanisms are important and straightforward procedures for use in the design of highly selective colorimetric or fluorimetric probes for the detection of H₂S in living cells.