Functionalized poly (vinyl alcohol) polymer as chemodosimeter material for the colorimetric sensing of cyanide in pure water

New poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) derivative containing pendant chemoselective functionality is prepared for the cyanide detection in pure water. Particularly, incorporation of the chemodosimeter 4 on PVA is performed by direct coupling of the hydroxyl group of the dye 4 and PVA hydroxyl groups via ethereal linkage using di-bromoalkane as a cross-linking agent. The chemosensory capacity of the polymeric material for the colorimetric sensing of cyanide in water is based on the reactivity of this anion toward the chemodosimeter, and its water solubility is given by PVA moiety. The chemodosimeter is developed on the basis of the trifluoroacetyl group as electrophile receptor of the cyanide anions. The final water soluble functionalized polymer presents a sensible selectivity toward cyanide anions in pure water. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.