A molecular half-subtractor with Zn2+ and UV-light as inputs

The salen-type Schiff base (2,2′-bis(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (BHB)) has been synthesized and characterized. Exhibiting absorption and fluorescence changes in the presence of Zn2+ in chloroform and ethanol mixed solution, BHB could be used as a fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of Zn2+. Furthermore, by monitoring the fluorescence and absorbance as output signals, BHB can function as a combinatorial logic circuit for a molecular half-subtractor with Zn2+ and UV irradiation as input variables.