(E)-2-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)-4-nitrophenol 1 and (E)-2-(((6-methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)-4-nitrophenol 2 were synthesized efficiently under microwave conditions. The structures were confirmed using IR, ¹H NMR, and 13C NMR. UV-vis. Fluorescence investigations demonstrated that 1 and 2 are sensitive and selective sensors for detection of cyanide over all other anions SCN−, AcO−, N₃−, H₂PO₄−, H₂AsO₄−, F−, Cl−, Br−, and I− in aqueous media. Cyanide induces colorimetric change from pale yellow to dark yellow and from transparent to pale yellow for 1 and 2, respectively. It enhances the absorption at wavelengths 385 nm and 425 nm of 1 and 385 nm and 435 nm of 2. Acidic anions H₂PO₄− and H₂AsO₄− displayed significant interference with the interaction of cyanide and sensors 1 and 2. Sensor 1 has lower detection limit (LDL) 1 × 10−6 M, while 2 has LDL 1.35 × 10−6 M.
Keywords: 2-aminobenzothiazoles; cyanide; fluorescence; microwave assisted synthesis; sensors.