A novel dual-channel chemosensor for CN− using asymmetric double-azine derivatives in aqueous media and its application in bitter almond.

In this paper, we have designed and synthesized a novel sensor L1 based on asymmetric double-azine derivatives, which showed both “naked eye” recognition and fluorescence responses for CN − in DMSO/H 2 O (v/v = 4:1, pH = 7.20) solution. This simple sensor L1 could distinguish CN − from coexisting anions via the way of deprotonation and sensing mechanism of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and the minimum detection limit on fluorescence response of the sensor L1 towards CN − was down to 9.47 × 10 − 7 M. Moreover, we have successfully utilized the sensor L1 to detect CN − in bitter almond. Test strips containing L1 were also prepared, which could act as a practical colorimetric tool to detect CN − in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]