Several benzo[a]phenoxazine derivatives containing substituted N-aromatic groups are evaluated for their pH-dependent absorption and emission properties. Among the compounds exhibiting optical responses under near-neutral and subacid pH conditions, benzo[a]phenoxazine derivatives with an electron-withdrawing aromatic group attached to nitrogen of the imino group show potential application as near-infrared pH sensors. Three water-soluble pH probes based on benzo[a]phenoxazine with different pyridinium structures are designed and synthesized. Their reversible pH-dependent emissions in buffer solution containing 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) locate in 625-850 nm with the fluorescent enhancement of 8.2-40.1 times, and their calculated pKa values are 2.7, 5.8, and 7.1, respectively. A composite probe containing the three benzo[a]phenoxazines shows a linear pH-emission relationship in the range of pH 1.9-8.0. Real-time detection of intracellular pH using an in vitro assay with HeLa cells is also reported.

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A new iron-catalyzed oxidative spirocyclization of N-arylpropiolamides with silanes and TBHP leading to 3-silyl spiro[4,5]trienones is presented, which offers a practical route to introduction of silicon-centered radicals across the C–C triple bonds.

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