Fluorescence nerve agents

Dale TJ, Rebek J Jr. Fluorescent sensors for organophosphorus nerve agent mimics. J Am Chem Soc 2006 128 4500-1. 

Figure 6-2 PET-based fluorescent sensor for nerve agent mimics.

The different nerve agents can be effectively differentiated by the colour changes induced in appropriate dyestuffs. Various quick-acting techniques for battlefield use have been devised. Recent work has been concerned with colour changes induced in fluorescent compounds [87], and a viable method for visible warning of the presence of sarin has been claimed [83,88]. The immediate detection of nerve gases may, in the future, lie with the development of suitable fluorescent indicators [91]. 

A recent significant application of the Lossen reaction involved the synthesis of a highly fluorescent compound 79 as a nerve agent stimulant (Scheme 4.31). Starting from a nonfluorescent rhodamine-hydroxamate, an efficient rearrangement occurs in the presence of diethyl chlorophosphate under alkaline conditions. 

Another important target for fluorescent sensors are highly toxic phosphates, found in various pesticides and chemical warfare agents, commonly known as nerve gases (Figure 16.16) [47]. There are two main families of these chemical warfare agents G and V family. Hie former contains electrophilic substituent at phosphorus atom... 

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