An ESIPT-based chromone-coumarin coupled fluorogenic dyad for specific recognition of sarin gas surrogate, diethylchlorophosphate.

A chromone-coumarin coupled fluorogenic probe MATC that can selectively detect sarin gas mimicking diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) with the detection and quantification limit in the nM range. MATC solution with DCP exhibits remarkable fluorescence intensity displaying bright cyan color photoluminosity under the exposure of a 365 nm UV lamp as a result of disruption of the excited state intramolecular proton (ESIPT) process due to the phosphorylation process. [Display omitted] • A chromone-coumarin coupled fluorogenic probe, MATC has been introduced to detect diethylchlorophosphate. • A cyan color photoluminescence enhancement is found due to the phosphorylation process. • The detection and quantification limit is in the nM range. • A paper strips-based test kit has been fabricated for the on-spot detection of sarin. • A dip-stick experiment has been demonstrated to identify and quantify DCP in the vapor phase. Extremely toxic G-series nerve agents are used as weapons for mass destruction in wars and terrorist attacks. So, rapid and accurate detection of these dangerous nerve agents is immediately required to save our environment and nation. In this article, we have designed and developed a chromone-coumarin coupled fluorogenic probe MATC that can selectively detect sarin gas mimicking diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) with the detection and quantification limit in the nM range. MATC solution with DCP exhibits remarkable fluorescence intensity at wavelength 465 nm, displaying bright cyan color photoluminosity under the exposure of 365 nm UV lamp, which is also manifested from the color chromaticity diagram as a result of disruption of excited state intramolecular proton (ESIPT) process due to the phosphorylation process. Straining our probe, MATC, on Whatman-41 filter paper, we fabricated a paper strips-based test kit for on-the-spot recognition of sarin gas as a movable and displayable photonic device. A dip-stick and dipped-vial-conical-flask experiment has also been demonstrated to recognize and quantify DCP in the vapor phase. The present report completely describes a fluorogenic and specific chemosensor to identify and quantify deadly nerve agents within the stores of analogous organophosphates and inorganic phosphates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]