A highly selective and sensitive chemosensor for instant detection cyanide via different channels in aqueous solution

A colorimetric and fluorescent cyanide probe bearing naphthol and imine group has been designed and synthesized. This structurally simple probe displays rapid response and high selectivity for cyanide over other common anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, AcO−, H2PO42−,HSO4−,ClO4−, and SCN−) in aqueous solution. The sensing of cyanide was performed via the nucleophilic attack of cyanide anion to imine groups of the probe with a 1:2 binding stoichiometry, and the fluorescence enhancement of the sensor is mainly due to the ICT process improvement. The detection limit for CN− was 4.0×10−7 M, which is far lower than the WHO guideline of 1.9×10−6 M. Thus, the present probe should be applicable as a practical system for the monitoring of cyanide concentrations in aqueous samples.

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