Facile detection of organophosphorus nerve agent mimic (DCP) through a new quinoline-based ratiometric switch

Abstract

In this paper, a quinoline-based (BIMQ) probe was developed, and it displayed ratiometric detection of organophosphorus (OP) chemical vapor threat DCP. Upon addition of the nerve agent mimic diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP), a fluoroscence color change from blue to cyan was observed. The chemodosimeter BIMQ underwent nucleophilic substitution with DCP, followed by a ring closure to yield the final product and showed an explicit fluorescence response towards DCP. The probe BIMQ selectively detected DCP in the presence of other toxic analytes. The detection limit of BIMQ for DCP was established to be in the order of 10⁻⁸ M in the solution phase, which suggests that BIMQ can efficiently detect DCP at a very low level. This ratiometric switch has a potential application as a portable kit for detecting DCP vapour with high sensitivity. TDDFT calculations were carried out in order to unveil the electronic properties theoretically.