DETECTION METHOD

The disclosure relates to a method for detecting a nerve agent in an analyte, said nerve agent having a phosphorus-fluorine bond, which method comprises: (a) contacting the analyte with a solid state composition comprising a sensor compound; wherein the sensor compound comprises a basic nitrogen atom and a hydroxyaryl moiety protected by a silyl protecting group; and wherein, in the presence of hydrogen fluoride, said silyl group is cleaved to effect deprotection of the hydroxyl group thus forming a luminescent reporter compound; (b) irradiating the solid state composition at a predetermined wavelength; (c) measuring the luminescence to determine if the reporter compound is present; and (d) determining whether the nerve agent is present in the analyte based on the measurement obtained in step (c).