A versatile fluorescent probe for the ratiometric detection of hydrazine (N2H4) in water, soil, plant, and food samples

Hydrazine (N2H4) is a crucial chemical raw material extensively utilized in chemical production. However, due to its volatility, water solubility, and high toxicity, both the gaseous form and aqueous solution of N2H4 pose significant environmental risks by causing severe pollution that can adversely impact plants, microorganisms, and human health. Therefore, accurate detection of N2H4 in the environment is imperative for safeguarding public health. In this study, we synthesized a ratiometric fluorescent probe (BCaz-Cy2) based on Carbazole and Hemicyanine groups. This probe exhibits simple synthesis procedure, rapid response time, high sensitivity and selectivity as well as remarkable detection signals. It enables effective detection of N2H4 in various matrices such as water, food, soil and plant samples thereby significantly expanding the scope of applications for N2H4 probes.