A mild and catalyst-free conversion of solid phase benzylidenemalononitrile/benzylidenemalonate to N-benzylidene-amine and its application for fluorescence detection of primary alkyl amine vapor.

A new rapid and catalyst-free solid/vapor reaction between benzylidenemalonate/benzylidenemalononitrile and primary alkyl amines was found. With these as sensory units of fluorescent polymers, probes for primary amine vapor with high sensitivity and selectivity were developed.