The proposed recognition mechanism is based on a Michael-type addition reaction toward the probes, induced by SO2-derivatives.
The studied Michael-type addition reactions are favored by micellar-media.
The probes showed excellent selectivity for bisulfite over various other typical interferences species including biothiols.
The probes can be applied to the quantitative and qualitative determination of bisulfite in real samples with high precision.
Probe 1 was cell-permeable and it can be used to monitor bisulfite levels in living cells.