Ultrafast-response, highly-sensitive and recyclable colorimetric/fluorometric dual-channel chemical warfare agent probes

In this paper, two donor (D)-acceptor (A) type of small organic fluorescent molecules (T1 and T2) based on terpyridine group are synthesized, characterized and used as colorimetric/fluorometric dual-channel probes towards diethylchlorophosphate (DCP, the mimic of chemical warfare agent sarin) not only in solution but also in gas phase featuring instantaneous responses, excellent recyclability, high selectivity and sensitivity. Interestingly though the discriminated units of both chemosensors are terpyridine, their fluorescent responded signals are different, which is due to the different electron-donating substituents of T1 and T2 caused the different responded mechanism to DCP. And the possible sensing mechanism was proved by using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, 31P NMR) spectra and natural transition orbitals calculations. Furthermore, facile testing filter paper-constructed strips with the visualization of colorimetric/fluorometric dual-channel responses based on T1 and T2 have been fabricated for real-time, on-site high selective and sensitive, recyclable monitor of DCP vapor. [Display omitted] •Two novel colorimetric/fluorometric probes are developed to detect Sarin mimic DCP.•Both probes display rapid response, excellent selectivity and reutilization to DCP.•The detection limits of the two probes to DCP vapor are extraordinary low.•The quantitative colorimetric/fluorometric filter paper cards are achieved.