A dithienosilole-based fluorescent chemosensor for multiple logic operations at the molecular level

• A novel dithienosilole-based fluorescent chemosensor (1) was synthesized.
• 1 displays different turn-off fluorescence responses to metal ions.
• Several logic gates (XNOR, INHIBIT, IMPLICATION) were constructed.

A chemosensor consisting of two terpyridines covalently linked to a dithienosilole unit (1) has been synthesized, and its optical and metal sensing properties have been investigated. Due to the metal–organic coordination function, 1 can bind with many transition metal ions and display different fluorescence responses that cause it to function as a “turn-off” fluorescent chemosensor. A significant bathochromic shift in the fluorescence spectra is observed in the presence of Zn2+. Meanwhile, the emission of 1 is weakened upon exposure to Ag+ and Fe2+ and completely quenched by Ni2+, Co2+, and Cu2+. Based on the observed results, several logic gates, such as XNOR, INHIBIT, and IMPLICATION, have been achieved by controlling the chemical inputs.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide