A pH-responsive fluorescent probe and photosensitiser based on a self-quenched phthalocyanine dimer

Abstract

A self-quenched zinc(II) phthalocyanine dimer linked with an acid-sensitive ketal unit has been prepared, which can be activated in an acidic environment (pH = 5.0-6.5) as a result of the cleavage of the ketal linker and separation of the phthalocyanine units, resulting in enhanced fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen production.