Organophosphine transition metal complexes as selective surfaces for the reversible detection of sulfur dioxide with piezoelectric crystal sensors

Some organotransition metal complexes, bis (sulfur dioxide)tetrakis (triphenylphosphine oxide) manganese(II)dioxide [Mn(OPPh₃)₄I₂(SO₂)₂] and bis(tribenzylphosphine)copper(II) thiophenolate [Cu(PBz₃)₂SPh], were identified as candidate coatings for the detection of sulfur dioxide on piezoelectric crystal sensors. After treatment to form the mono (sulfur dioxide) adduct, the first complex binds sulfur dioxide to reform the bis adduct, and can be used as a coating for an integrating piezoelectric sensor. The initial complex can be regenerated by placing the coated piezoelectric sensor under vacuum for 4 h. The specified copper complex was found to act as a reversible coating for the detection sulfur dioxide in the range 10–1000 mg l^?1.