Chromogenesis-based Resonance Raman molecular sensor for reactive oxygen species

Abstract

Here we report a novel design concept for a molecular sensing platform that specifically generates under non-toxic visible laser excitation, resonance Raman signatures of nitrile (similar to 2200 cm(-1)) in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The sensing principle employs a ROS-triggered oxidative chromogenic reaction that activates resonance Raman enhancement through chemical transformation of a non resonant hydrazo molecule into a resonant azo dye with extended IT-conjugation. Experimental studies as well as DFT calculation demonstrate that such a design strategy for activatable resonance Raman sensor is valid for selective detection of highly oxidative ROS, hypochlorite ions in the present case, down to 100 ppm. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.