A boron-nitrogen heterocyclic AIE probe for sensitive detection of picric acid

This article describes the design and synthesis of a B-N bond-based sensor (BNOH) to detect picric acid (PA), which is easy to synthesize with a high yield. It exhibits aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect, and its solid bright fluorescence makes it suitable for use as a sensor. As PA sensor, BNOH performs excellently with good selectivity and sensitivity (detection limits as low as 2.9 ppb). The PA response mechanism of BNOH to PA was explored through computational simulation methods. Interestingly, trace amounts of solid PA can be detected by wiping the BNOH paper sensor, achieving convenient and quick PA detection.