Synthesis of 3,5-bis(acrylaldehyde) boron-dipyrromethene and application in detection of cysteine and homocysteine in living cells.

Synthesis, characterization, and spectral and electrochemical properties of 3,5-bis(acrylaldehyde) BODIPY are described. The compound exhibited higher selectivity toward cysteine/homocysteine than toward other amino acids and thiol-containing compounds as shown by absorption and emission titration experiments and by experiments in living cells.