A selective chromo-fluorogenic chemosensor for visual detection of solution and vapor phase of sarin, tabun mimics diethyl chlorophosphate, diethyl cyanophosphonate

Abstract

The abuse of nerve agents has become a severe threat to peaceful modern civilization. Hence, it is of paramount importance to the scientific communities to detect and degrade them for a modern society. In the present contribution, we have introduced a selective chromo-fluorogenic probe (AMP) based on neutral red dye for visual detection of the solution and vapor phase of sarin & tabun mimics, namely diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP) and diethyl cyanophosphonate (DCNP), respectively. A ratiometric UV–visible absorption spectral change with colorimetric visualization from yellow to bright pink is observed in the presence of both mimics. A “turn-off” photoluminescence from yellow color to non-fluorescence is observed in the presence of both mimics. The spectral and chromo-fluorgenic behavior is reversed in the presence of triethylamine (TEA). The sensitivity of AMP towards the detection of targeted analytes is recorded in the μM range. Additionally, filter paper-based strips are fabricated for the actual applicability of the current probe to identify trace amounts of both analytes in the presence of various types of analogous target analytes. The vapor phase sensing and two types of soil analysis are also employed to check the sensor's potential in real-life applications. The present report has revealed prompt, sensitive, selective, in-situ, accurate sample detectors of sarin & tabun gas in actual threatening situations.