Design of small molecule reagents that enable signal amplification via an autocatalytic, base-mediated cascade elimination reaction.

This Communication describes three small molecule reagents that amplify the signal for a detection event via an autocatalytic reaction. Two signals are obtained from each reagent: (i) the dibenzofulvene chromophore and (ii) piperidine, which can be visualized using a pH indicator dye. The reagents are demonstrated in a model assay for palladium.