A highly sensitive fluorescence probe for on-site detection of nerve agent mimic diethylchlorophosphonate DCP.

Nerve agents are the most toxic chemical warfare agents that pose severe threat to human health and public security. In this work, we developed a novel fluorescent probe NZNN based on naphthylimide and -phenylenediamine to detect nerve agent mimic diethylchlorophosphonate (DCP). DCP underwent a specific nucleophilic reaction with the -phenylenediamine group of NZNN to produce a significant fluorescence turn-on response with high selectivity, exceptional linearity, bright fluorescence, rapid response (<6 s) and a low detection limit (30.1 nM). Furthermore, a portable sensing device was fabricated for real-time detection of DCP vapor with excellent performance. This portable and sensitive device is favorable for monitoring environmental pollution and defense against chemical warfare agents.