Formaldehyde has become a prominent topic of interest
because of
its simple molecular structure, release from various compounds in
the near vicinity of humans, and associated hazards. Thus, several
researchers designed sophisticated instrumentations for formaldehyde
detection that exhibit real-time sensing properties and are cost-effective
and portable with high detection limits. On these grounds, this review
is centered on an analysis of optical chemosensors for formaldehyde
that specifically fall under the broad spectrum of organic probes.
In this case, this review discusses different organic functionalities,
including amines, imines, aromatic pillar arenes, β-ketoesters,
and β-diketones, taking part in various reaction mechanisms
ranging from aza-Cope rearrangement and Schiff base and Hanztch reactions
to aldimine condensation. In addition, this review distinguishes reaction
mechanisms according to photophysical phenomena, that is, aggregation-induced
emission, photoinduced electron transfer, and intramolecular charge
transfer. Furthermore, it addresses the instrumentation involved in
gas-based and liquid formaldehyde detection. Finally, it discusses
the gaps in existing technologies followed by a succinct set of recommendations
for future research.