Fluorimetric Recognition of Nerve Agent Mimic Diethylchlorophosphate Along with Cu2+/Hg2+ Ions Using Imidazole Possessing Sensor.

Abstract

An imidazole possessing sensor (1) has been designed and developed by simple one step reaction and characterization was done by using common spectroscopic methods. The fluorimetric sensing of nerve agent mimic, DCP, was carried out by observing blue shift in spectra accompanied with quenching in semi-aqueous solvent. The sensor was found proficient for the detection of DCP amongst other phosphates with detection limit of 69nM. Furthermore, upon incorporation of various metal ions to CH3CN:H2O (4:1, v/v) solution of 1 (λex 340nm), the fluorescent probe turned non-fluorescent only in presence of Cu2+/Hg2+ ions. This was accompanied by fluorescent color change from light blue to yellow in case of Hg2+ and colorless in case of Cu2+ ions. Moreover, practical applications of sensor 1 were investigated for recognition of Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions in real water samples along with the detection of DCP in soil samples from different areas. Differential emission changes observed with addition of Hg2+ ions and DCP led to observation of "NOR" and an "INHIBIT" molecular photonic logic operations at 446 and 385nm, respectively.