A novel benzo hemicyanine-based fluorescent probe for susceptible visualizing detection of phosgene

Leakage and misuse of phosgene, a common and highly hazardous industrial chemical, have always constituted a safety risk. Therefore, it is crucial to develop sensitive detection methods for gaseous phosgene. This work describes the design and development of a new fluorescent dye based on benzohemicyanine, as well as the synthesis of fluorescent probes for the sensitive detection of gaseous phosgene. Due to the excellent intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect from the strong electron-donating impact of the o-aminophenol group on benzo hemicyanine, the probe does not emit fluorescence. When the probe reacts with phosgene, the ICT effect is inhibited, and the result exhibits observable green fluorescence, thereby visualizing the response to phosgene. The probe offers exceptional sensitivity, a rapid response, and a low phosgene detection limit. In addition, we developed probe-loaded, portable test strips for the quick and sensitive detection of phosgene in the gas phase. Finally, the constructed probe-loaded test strips were utilized effectively to monitor the simulated phosgene leakage.