Unexpected reaction patterns enable simultaneous differentiation of H2S, H2Sn and biothiols.

A robust fluorescent probe, MCP1, was developed for triple-detection of H2S, H2Sn and biothiols for the first time. Introduction of H2S, H2Sn and biothiols to MCP1 lead to distinct emission peaks at 508, 576 and 469 nm, respectively, enabling simultaneous detection of H2S, H2Sn and biothiols from distinct emission channels.