Highly reactive (<1 min) ratiometric “naked eye” detection of hypochlorite with real application in tap water

Abstract

The de-diaminomaleonitrile reaction in a simple carbazole diaminomaleonitrile hybrid (CDH) was promoted by OCl⁻ which disrupted the ICT mechanism by breaking the donor and acceptor linkage. This system utilized an irreversible OCl⁻ promoted oxidation reaction and it responded instantaneously at room temperature. The chemosensor also showed excellent performance in tap water and the “dip-stick” method.