| Abstract
| - A new method for detection of nerve gases, Sarin andSoman, was proposed on the basis of their catalyzed hydrolysis by metal chelate compounds and potentiometricdetection of the byproduct, fluoride ion. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) was used as a nerve gas mimic. Thecopper ion chelates shift the potential of the fluoride ion-selective electrode to more positive stable potential, whichis beneficial for lowering the detection limit. In the presence of DFP, the electrode potential decreases rapidlywith time due to the catalyzed hydrolysis of DFP and theproduction of fluoride ion. This method is sensitive, selective, and reproducible. The detection limit for DFP is2 × 10-6 M with a potential drop between 40 and 60 mV.
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