Pillar[5]arene-functionalized paper as a fluorescent sensor for cyanide ions in water

Abstract

In this work, we developed pillar[5]arene-functionalized paper as a fluorescent sensor for cyanide ions in water. The pillar[5]arene bearing a mono-amine substituent was anchored covalently on paper by the sequence (i) oxidization of hydroxyl groups of glucoses in the cellulose, (ii) condensation with the amino group in the pillar[5]arene and (iii) reduction of the Schiff base obtained. Next, 10-methylacridinium iodide as a fluorescent indicator was introduced onto the paper by non-covalent interactions. Using a simple ultraviolet lamp, this functionalized paper could detect cyanide ions of concentration ranging from 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻³ M by the naked eye.