In an embodiment, a benzene sensor comprises a substrate having an iodine complex disposed thereon, a radiation source configured to project UV radiation onto the complex, and a UV detector configured to detect a UV reflection off of the substrate having the iodine complex. The iodine complex can include a cyclodextrine-iodine complex such as an alpha-cyclodextrine-iodine complex, a β-cyclodextrine iodine complex, or any combination thereof.