Single-Electron Transfer Driven Cyanide Sensing: A New Multimodal Approach

A new SET-driven reaction-based strategy is reported for sensing of cyanide with indicators having low LUMO levels. The cyanide-specific reaction produces an air-stable radical anion marker and by virtue of its spin, charge, and the SOMO-LUMO-based electronic transition generates multimodal signal outputs. High selectivity and sensitivity (0.2-16 microM) were observed when compared to other reducing anions. This new indicator system exhibits regenerability and dip-stick sensing, and fabrication of an electronic sensing device for cyanide is demonstrated.