A green synthesis of a simple chemosensor that could instantly detect cyanide with high selectivity in aqueous solution

A novel and simple cyanide chemosensor 2-(naphthalen-1-ylmethylene)malononitrile (L) was designed and synthesized via a green chemistry method in water without using any catalyst. The chemosensor showed an excellent sensitivity and selectivity for CN− in aqueous solution. The detection limit could be as low as 1.6 × 10−7 mol/L (0.16 μmol/L), which is far lower than the WHO guideline of 1.9 μmol/L cyanide for drink water.

A novel and simple cyanide chemosensor L was designed and synthesized via a green chemistry method. The chemosensor showed an excellent sensitivity and selectivity for CN− in aqueous solution.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide