An ESIPT based fluorescence probe, containing a hydroxyphenyl-benzothiazole fluorophore and an oxime reaction site, serves as a selective probe for the nerve gas mimic, diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP), in solutions and the gas phase. The probe undergoes more than a 60-fold fluorescence enhancement in the presence of the target, has a limit of detection of 1.3 nM and displays selectively toward DECP over closely related substances, including sulfur mustard stimulants and other nerve agent mimic.
