Chromogenic, Specific Detection of the Nerve‐Agent Mimic DCNP (a Tabun Mimic)

Abstract

Nerve-gas detection: An azo dye with pyridine and aniline moieties can selectively detect diethylcyanophosphonate (DCNP) from diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) and diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) by colour changes. Upon addition of DFP and DCP a phosphorylation in the pyridine occurs with a colour change from orange to magenta, whereas addition of DCNP phosphorylated the aniline ring with a colour change from orange to yellow (see figure).