Interactions of the G-series organophosphorus chemical warfare agent sarin and various simulants with luminescent lanthanide complexes

Fundamental supramolecular interactions of the G-series organophosphorus (OP) chemical warfare agent (CWA) sarin, and various simulants, with simple lanthanide complexes of the type Ln(phen)₂(NO₃)₃·(H₂O)_x (where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; 1: Ln = Eu(iii), x = 3 and 2: Ln = Tb(iii), x = 2) have been elucidated by spectroscopic investigations. Luminescent and UV-Vis results show only minimal fluorescence quenching occurring as a result of a dynamic mechanism. These results have been compared with previously presented V-series OP CWA data demonstrating that the luminescence quenching of the two series occurs with differing magnitudes and mechanisms. Agent-simulant correlations for use with lanthanide complexes are also discussed which are of critical importance for informing the design and construction of efficient, advanced and regenerable supramolecular sensing systems.