Application of aza-BODIPY as a Nitroaromatic Sensor

Nitroaromatic explosive detection with high sensitivity and selectivity is requisite for civilian military safety the ecosystem. In this study, aza boron dipyrromethene (aza-BODIPY) dye was selected as a fluorescent-based chemosensor against nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) including 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid, TNP), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). This molecule exhibits sharp fluorescent behavior quantum yields beyond near-infrared region (NIR) considered potential candidate of NACs. O’Shea’s approach used to synthesize tetraphenyl-conjugated aza-BODIPY molecules. Quenching fluorescence emission at 668 nm after exposure NACs investigated under acetonitrile–water acetonitrile–ethanol solvent conditions. The quenching responses its mechanism were examined by considering Stern–Volmer relationship constants (Ksv) TNP (in water), ethanol), TNT, DNT, which are predicted be 1420, 1215, 1364, 968 M–1, respectively, all sufficiently above limit (LOD) values. Thus, present study opens up possibility usage molecules low-cost, light-weight sensor NAC explosives.