A Highly Selective Sensor for Cyanide in Organic Media and on Solid Surfaces.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Cyanide anion detection is crucial for environmental monitoring due to its high toxicity.
• Development of selective and sensitive optical sensors is essential for accurate cyanide quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the application of IR 786 perchlorate as a selective optical sensor for cyanide anion.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance in both organic solutions and solvent-free solid-state conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized IR 786 perchlorate as a colorimetric and fluorometric probe.
• Investigated the spectral changes (absorbance and fluorescence) upon interaction with cyanide anions in acetonitrile.
• Assessed the sensor's response on solvent-free solid surfaces using water samples.

Main Results:

• IR 786 perchlorate exhibited high selectivity for cyanide anions over hydroxide anions in acetonitrile.
• A distinct color change from dark green to yellow and a blue shift in absorbance were observed upon cyanide binding.
• The sensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 0.5 μM for cyanide in acetonitrile and sensitivity in the range of 50-300 μM on solid surfaces.

Conclusions:

• IR 786 perchlorate is a promising selective optical sensor for cyanide detection in various media.
• The sensor's ability to function in solvent-free conditions expands its applicability for environmental sensing.