Instantaneous Colorimetric and Fluorogenic Detection of Phosgene with a meso-Oxime-BODIPY

The meso-oxime-substituted-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl BODIPY (1-oxime) was developed into a colorimetric and fluorogenic probe to selectively detect and quantify phosgene. The fast (<10 s) and sensitive (LOD = 0.09 ppb) phosgene detection is achieved by the conversion of the meso-oxime to the meso-nitrile, resulting in a large fluorescence turn-on response. The utility of 1-oxime was established for the visual detection of phosgene in solution and in a practical solid-state platform, making it a suitable candidate for on-site monitoring of phosgene gas exposure in the workplace.