Selective detection of trinitrophenol by a Cd(ii)-based coordination compound

Abstract

A Cd(II)-based coordination compound, [CdI₂(4-nvp)₂] (1), has been synthesized using CdI₂ and monodentate N-donor ligand 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)pyridine (4-nvp). The solid-state supramolecular architecture has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. An acute thermal stability and excellent level of phase purity tempted us to use it for material applications. Interestingly, compound 1 exhibits a high selectivity towards trinitrophenol (TNP) in the presence of other nitroaromatics. Therefore, this material may be used for anti-terrorist activities in the detection of explosive materials as well as in the recognition of TNP in analytical laboratories.