Abstract
The synthesis, characterization and sensing features of a novel
probe 1 for the selective chromogenic recognition of diisopropylfluorophosphate
(DFP), a sarin and soman mimic, in 99:1 (v/
v) water/acetonitrile and in the gas phase is reported. Colour
modulation is based on the combined reaction of phosphorylation
of 1 and fluoride-induced hydrolysis of a silyl ether
moiety. As fluoride is a specific reaction product of the reaction
between DFP and the OH group, the probe shows a selective
colour modulation in the presence of this chemical. Other
nerve agent simulants, certain anions, oxidant species and
other organophosphorous compounds were unable to induce
colour changes in 1. This is one of the very few examples of
a selective detection, in solution and in the gas phase, of
a sarin and soman simulant versus other reactive derivatives
such as the tabun mimic diethylcyanophosphate (DCNP).
