A naked-eye colorimetric assay for highly sensitive detection of CL-20 explosive

2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) stands as the most energetically condensed explosive ever found, and poses a great security threat to humans. Here we report a naked-eye colorimetric assay for highly sensitive detection of CL-20. Through effective cascading of the hydrolysis process of CL-20 with nitrite-involved Griess reaction to yield a pink-colored azo product, the visual quantification of CL-20 is realized by taking advantage of corresponding colorimetric signals. Under optimal experimental conditions, the present colorimetric assay is successfully used for highly selective determination of CL-20 in deionized water and environmental water samples with a nanomolar sensitivity. The resulting limit of detection is much lower than conventional methods. Moreover, benefiting from the distinct color change of the detection solution, direct naked-eye semi-quantitative analysis of CL-20 is achieved with a threshold concentration of 1 μM. Such simple, cost-effective, selective, and highly sensitive visual colorimetric assay will have valuable applications in public safety, environmental monitoring, and other related fields.