Fluorogenic Phenothiazine‐Derivative as Radical Sensors

This study investigates the use of 10-(4-butoxyphenyl)-10H-phenothiazine (PTZ), a phenothiazine-based molecule, for detecting chloroform and other chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs). Upon exposure to these compounds to the phenothiazine-dervitive in presence light, a significant change in emission occurs, enabling naked-eye detection. The visual detection range of this phenothiazine derivative extends down to concentrations as low as 5 ppm. We demonstrate the one-time use of thin-layer chromatography paper (TLC) sensors and glass-based sensors for on-site detection of chlorinated hydrocarbons using a light source such as sunlight, UV-lamp, or a solar box. Our findings suggest that this phenothiazine-derivative has potential as a simple, low-cost, and effective sensing platform for chlorinated solvents, with practical applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety. Furthermore, our results provide insights into the development of molecular sensors for detecting chlorinated hydrocarbons.