Abstract
A unique reaction between H(2)S and a selenenyl sulfide containing benzoate ester template was discovered. This reaction could be specifically triggered by H(2)S and lead to ester bond cleavage. The reaction was not affected by the presence of thiols such as glutathione and cysteine. With this reaction, a series of fluorescent probes were synthesized and evaluated. The probes exhibited high sensitivity/selectivity for H(2)S in both buffers and cells.