Detection Papers with Metal Complexes with Triphenylmethane Dyes for the Detection of G-Series Nerve Agents (Sarin, Soman, Cyclosarin) in the Liquid Phase

Martin Lobotka,Vladimír Pitschmann,Lukáš Matějovský

doi:10.3390/chemosensors7040059

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the study of the possibilities of using color metal complexes to detect the presence of chemical warfare agents (CWA) in liquid or aerosol form. Aluminon/Fe3+ and Eriochrome Cyanine R/Cu2+ coordination complexes and their ability to detect CWA in liquid phase are discussed. Detection systems have been demonstrated on instances of simple detection papers exposed to drops of real CWAs. Detection papers showed a positive response to G-series nerve agents and vesicant lewisite. Other liquid CWA do not interfere and the systems are also resistant to common organic solvents and a wide range of industrial chemicals.

Highlights

The most important group of chemical warfare agents (CWA) are nerve agents whose toxic effect is based on the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase
The aim of this paper is to report the results of research into the possibility of preparing detection papers for liquid G-series nerve agents, which are based on color complexes of metal cations with triphenylmethane dyes, in this case Aluminon and Eriochrome Cyanine R
The research was focused on metal complexes triphenylmethane dyes that contain carboxyl groups as electron donors

Summary

Introduction

The most important group of chemical warfare agents (CWA) are nerve agents whose toxic effect is based on the inhibition (blockade) of the acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is involved in the transmission of nerve excitation using the neurotransmitter acetylcholine [1]. The so-called G-series nerve agents do not reach the toxicity of V-series nerve agents (VX, RVX, with P-S bond), their easier preparation and physical and chemical properties increase the risk of abuse for terrorist and criminal targets [2,3]. The basic measure of protection against them is fast, high-quality, and widely available detection. Main attention is paid to their vapor detection, because vapors pose a high risk of inhalation poisoning, especially by the volatile GB

Objectives

Results

Conclusion