Instantaneous Colorimetric and Fluorogenic Detection of Phosgene with a <i>meso</i>-Oxime-BODIPY

The <i>meso</i>-oxime-substituted-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl BODIPY (<b>1-oxime</b>) was developed into a colorimetric and fluorogenic probe to selectively detect and quantify phosgene. The fast (<10 s) and sensitive (LOD = 0.09 ppb) phosgene detection is achieved by the conversion of the <i>meso</i>-oxime to the <i>meso</i>-nitrile, resulting in a large fluorescence turn-on response. The utility of <b>1-oxime</b> was established for the visual detection of phosgene in solution and in a practical solid-state platform, making it a suitable candidate for on-site monitoring of phosgene gas exposure in the workplace