A novel paramagnetic polymeric sensor material sensitive to organic molecules

Utilizing the Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene groups attached on the linear polystyrene in the presence of nitroxide free radicals, a novel cross-linked network containing nitroxide free radicals is prepared. The signals of the electron spin resonance (ESR) from the resultant paramagnetic polymeric material contacting with organic molecules are different from uncontacting with organic molecules obviously. And the response from the organic molecules to organic molecules free or vice versa was reversible. Therefore, the resultant material is a novel paramagnetic polymeric sensor material sensitive to organic molecules and can be used for detecting the presence of organic molecules or the absence of organic molecules. C 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.