Evaluation of novel Griess-reagent candidates for nitrite sensing in aqueous media identified via molecular fingerprint searching

The Griess reaction is the most often exploited colorimetric method for the quantitative analysis of nitrite in aqueous media. The application of the currently used reagentsare associated with limitations (e.g. linear response range). Herein, molecular fingerprint searching on well-known Griess- reagentswas used as a tool for the identification of structurally similar, new reagentcandidate molecules. Rapid and high-throughput experimental evaluation of the newly identified Griess- reagentcandidates revealed that 14 of the 18 tested reagentcandidates had equal or superior response displaying broader linear ranges and/or increased response gradient against various nitrite concentrations in aqueous media when compared to the parent compounds at room temperature.