Modified cyclodextrines as mass-sensitive coatings for solvent vapour detection

Advances in robustness, selectivity and sensitivity in organic solvent vapo ur detection can be. achieved by the application of beta-cyclodextrines as coatings for mass sensitive chemical sensors. Linking the cyclodextrines wi th e.g. diiodooctane combines the molecular recognition capabilities of hos t-guest chemistry with the high stability of polymeric layers. Special incr ease in selectivity is achieved with anhydro cyclodextrines, since their fl attened conus Is adapted to benzene derivatives as Can also be shown by com puter modelling. Furthermore methylation elongates the cavity, guaranteeing an optimised engulfing of the analytes. In this way even a differentiation between p- and m-xylene vapours and a QMB detection limit of some mu L/L i s possible.