A highly selective visual detection of tabun mimic diethyl cyanophosphate (DCNP): effective discrimination of DCNP from other nerve agent mimics

Abstract

A new tabun specific visual detection protocol is reported. The chemodosimeter fluorescein-hydroxamate aldehyde undergoes tandem nucleophilic substitution followed by cyanohydrin reaction with DCNP and shows a specific spectroscopic behaviour. The probe molecule clearly distinguishes tabun mimic DCNP over other nerve agent simulants as well as strong electrophiles.