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Synfacts 2009(12): 1339-1339  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1218182
Synthesis of Materials and Unnatural Products
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Nerve Agent Sensor and Antidote in One Molecule

Contributor(s): Timothy M. Swager, Jan M. Schnorr
T. J. Dale, J. Rebek Jr.*
The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, USA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 November 2009 (online)

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Significance

G-Series nerve agents (e.g. Sarin, Soman, and Tabun) are highly toxic and can be produced relatively easily. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient sensors and antidotes for these molecules. The authors combine both properties in a series of hydroxy oximes (1-4). Upon ­reaction with a nerve agent mimic (DCP or DFP), they form isoxazoles (5-8) resulting in an increase of fluorescence (up to 62-fold) and a shift of the fluorescence maximum (up to Δλmax = -31 nm).