Colorimetric detection of cyanide in water using a highly selective Cu2+ chemosensor

In this manuscript, we report that easily available N,N-dimethyldipyrromethane (1) demonstrates a high chromogenic selectivity for Cu2+ over other cations with detection limit 4.76 ppm. The complex of Cu2+ with I displayed ability to detect up to 6.5 ppm CN- from water. Both the processes proceed with distinct visual color changes. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.