Azo dye-based colorimetric chemodosimeter for cyanide in aqueous solution

Abstract

A latent colorimetric probe (1) was prepared through the Baylis–Hillman condensation reaction and applied to a Michael acceptor type of probe for cyanide in aqueous solution. The probe has shown a highly selective response to the cyanide anion over other various anions through 1,4-addition of cyanide to the α,β-unsaturated ketone unit of probe 1. When cyanides were added, dramatic colour change of 1 was observable by the naked eye in aqueous buffer.