Highly selective and sensitive chromogenic detection of nerve agents (sarin, tabun and VX): a multianalyte detection approach.

A novel strategy using ferrocenyl dye (1) was developed for highly selective chromogenic detection of all nerve agents. The protocol was first established with nerve agent mimics (DFP, DCNP, and malaoxon) and then implemented on real agents, i.e. sarin, tabun and VX. The developed chemosensor showed no interferences from the most probable interferents such as acetyl chloride, sulfur mustard, oxygen mustard and DMMP. Real-time visual detection with a lower limit of detection (below LD50) made the present protocol highly appealing and versatile.