An Efficient ICT-Based Ratiometric Molecular Chameleon for the Detection of Sarin Surrogte, Diethylchlorophosphate

The significant toxicity associated with organophosphates (OPs) nerve agents represents a substantial threat to both public health and national security. This extensive report presents a colorimetric probe, DPAB, for the identification of sarin mimic, diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) in both liquid and vapor phases. The initial yellow coloration of the DPAB solution gradually changes into a visible pink color due to the progressive accumulation of DCP, highlighting the effectiveness of DPAB as a colorimetric sensor. The characteristic pink coloration of the DPAB-DCP solution is completely reverted to the original yellow hue of free DPAB through the gradual and systematic introduction of triethylamine (TEA). The detection and quantification limit of DPAB is found to be in the nanomolar (nM) range. Additionally, we have developed a paper strip test kit as a practical application, enabling the immediate detection and measurement of DCP in actual threat situations. Furthermore, we also conducted experiments using dipstick and dip-vial conical flask to identify DCP vapor. The implementation of a smartphone-based readout technique facilitates the accurate measurement of DCP in isolated locations. Mechanistic aspects have been unveiled through density functional theoretical analysis. Our probe DPAB holds a promising candidate for environmental toxicology upon exposure to these hazardous nerve agents.