A fluorometric sensing array for the detection of military explosives and IED materials

A fluorometric sensing array was developed to detect and discern common military explosives and materials used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Xanthene-based fluorophores were chosen as reporter molecules and were exposed to explosive analytes in DMF solution. Unique responses were observed for each analyte, with the strongest observed responses resulting from trinitrobenzene (TNB) or trinitrotoluene (TNT) addition. Evidence for substantial electron transfer (ET) between TNB and TNT products and fluorophores was observed. Computational results indicate that anionic trinitroaromatic products are likely donating electrons to cationic fluorophores, leading to an observed enhancement of their emission.