An anionic chromogenic chemosensor based on 4-(4-nitrobenzylideneamine)-2, 6-diphenylphenol for selective detection of cyanide in acetonitrile-water mixtures

Abstract

4-(4-Nitrobenzylideneamine)-2,6-diphenylphenol 3a was synthesized and studied as an anionic chromogenic chemosensor. Solutions of 3a in acetonitrile are colorless but turn blue under deprotonation. From the various anions added to the solutions of 3a only CN-, F-, and with less intensity CH3COO- and H2PO4-, led to colored solutions. With the addition of up to 2.4% (v/v) of water, of all the anions used only CN- was able to act as a base and cause a change in the color of the solution. A model was used to explain the results, based on two 3a:anion stoichiometries, 1:1 and 1:2. © ARKAT USA, Inc.