Sensors designed to distinguish between organophosphorus agents

ANYL 123

Brigitte J. Engelmann, brigitte.j.engelmann@wmich.edu and Sherine O. Obare, sherine.obare@wmich.edu. Department of Chemistry, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, 3425 Wood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Improved methods for selective detection of highly toxic organophosphorus compounds are needed. In an effort to develop sensors that distinguish between various organophosphorus compounds based on their toxicity, we have developed a series of fluorophores based on dipyrido-[3,2-a:2'3'-c]phenazine (DPPZ). The synthesis and interaction of 3,6-dimethylbenzo[i]dipyrido-[3,2-a:2'3'-c]phenazine (DM-BDPPZ), with various organophosphorous compounds was studied. In acetonitrile, DM-BDPPZ fluoresces green. Addition of the nerve gas analogue diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) resulted in fluorescence color change from green to orange accompanied by an increase in fluorescence intensity and lifetime. However, addition of the nerve gas analogue dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) resulted in a slight increase in fluorescence intensity and lifetime, but no color change. Fluorescence intensity of DM-BDPPZ upon addition of fenthion, an organophosphorus pesticide, resulted in fluorescence quenching and the lifetime decreased. The ability of DPPZ derivatives to distinguish between various organophophorus compounds, is a unique feature and a significant requirement for building novel organophosphorus sensors.
 

General Papers
7:00 PM-9:00 PM, Sunday, 10 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster

Division of Analytical Chemistry

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006