Revisiting Noncovalent SO2−Amine Chemistry:  An Indicator−Displacement Assay for Colorimetric Detection of SO2

A supramolecular approach for potential detection of SO2 is presented, which is based on the "old" donor-acceptor chemistry between SO2 and amines and includes an indicator-displacement assay. When amines were added to Zn-tetraphenylporphyrin 1 in CHCl3, the solution changed from red to dark green. A bathochromic shift of Deltalambda approximately 10 nm was observed for the Soret band, indicating the formation of 1*amine complexes. After this, SO2 gas was introduced, and the original red color of the solution was restored. The Soret band returned to its position for free porphyrin 1. The 1*amine complexes dissociated, and new SO2*amine adducts formed. Porphyrin 1 thus served as an indirect colorimetric indicator for SO2. The system discriminates between SO2 and such typical exhaust gases as COX, NOX, and H2O. From the indicator-displacement assay, the Kassoc values between 1000 and 30 000 M-1 for SO2*amine complexes were determined, which are comparable to those obtained by direct titration experiments between SO2 and the amines. Spectroscopic features of SO2*amine complexes are also presented.