A CH-Controlled Colorimetric Probe Based on Anthracene Carboximide for the Near-Infrared Detection of Cyanide

Abstract

A novel CH-controlled colorimetric probe based on anthracene carboximide was developed for the near-infrared detection of cyanide. The probe was constructed by attachment of a CHCN binding site to anthracene carboximide fluorophore, and it showed a significant visual change from yellow-green (535 nm) to deep violet (825 nm) with a larger redshift (≈290 nm) when interacting with cyanide. The C-H deprotonation sensing mechanism was confirmed by 1H NMR titration. Additionally, colorimetric test paper was conveniently used to detect cyanide in aqueous solutions. The near-infrared detection of cyanide by CH-controlled probes was founded for the first time.