Perylene diimide-based radical anions for the rapid detection of picomolar H 2 O 2 in an aqueous medium.

The formation of radical anions (PDI 1˙ - ) using H 2 S as a sacrificial electron donor in 50% HEPES buffer-THF solution is reported. PDI 1˙ - was confirmed by optical, I - V plot, CV, DPV, NOBF 4 and EPR studies. PDI 1˙ - has a half-life of 96 minutes in solution and 11 days in the solid state without any additive. The formation of PDI 1˙ - was confirmed by AFM and SEM. PDI 1˙ - can be used for the detection of 26.6 pM of H 2 O 2 supported by optical and CV data.