A new near-infrared and colorimetric fluorescent molecular probe was developed for rapid detection of H 2 O 2 . The near-infrared fluorescence OFF–ON switch is triggered by transformation of phenylboronic acid unit to phenol in the presence of H 2 O 2 . No quinone methides are released in this process, which is preferable for in vivo studies. In addition, probe 1 at low concentration exhibits high quality optical imaging during a short period in in vitro cell study.