Highly reactive (<1 min) ratiometric probe for selective 'naked-eye' detection of cyanide in aqueous media

We have designed and synthesized a triphenyl aminebenzothiazole coupled receptor (TBH) that exhibits a selective, sensitive, colorimetric, and ratiometric rapid response toward cyanide anion in aqueous media. The sensing event is explained by spectroscopy along with DFT calculation and CV diagram. Sensor displays a very fast response (<1 min) toward cyanide at room temperature with a 'naked-eye' change over F- and AcO- in aqueous media. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.