Naked-Eye Chromogenic Test Strip for Cyanide Sensing Based on Novel Phenothiazine Push-Pull Derivatives

Monitoring and detection of cyanide are of crucial interest as the latter plays versatile roles in many biological events, is ubiquitous in environment, and responsible for several acute poisoning and adverse health effects if ingested. We describe herein the synthesis and characterization of novel phenothiazine-based push-pull chromogenic chemosensors suitable for naked eye cyanide sensing. Indeed, specific detections were achieved for cyanide with a LOD of ca 9.12 to 4.59 mu M and, interestingly, one of the new chemosensors has also revealed an unprecedented affinity for acetate with a LOD of ca 2.68 mu M. Moreover, as proof of concept for practical applications, a paper test strip was prepared allowing its use for efficient qualitative naked eye cyanide sensing.

Automated summary

A novel phenothiazine-based chemical sensor for naked eye detection of cyanide was synthesized and characterized in this study. The sensor demonstrated high specificity for cyanide and acetate with low LODs, and a paper test strip was prepared for qualitative naked eye cyanide sensing.