Novel cationic meso-CF3 BODIPY-based AIE fluorescent rotors for imaging viscosity in mitochondria

Two novel meso-CF3 BODIPY-based fluorescent rotors have been rationally prepared and found to sensitively respond to viscosity in living cells with a fluorescence "turn-on" effect, attributed to the special restricted rotation of meso-CF3 group in viscous environments. Interestingly, a monostyryl probe with one cationic group exhibits good mitochondrial localization and AIE property.