A multi-state fluorescence switch based on a new photochromic diarylethene with a di-(ethyl-1,8-naphthalimidyl)amine unit

• A novel diarylethene with a di-(ethyl-1,8-naphthalimidyl)amine unit was synthesized.
• Its fluorescence can be effectively modulated by UV–vis, TFA/TEA, and Sn2+.
• It can serve as a fluorescence chemosensor for highly selective recognition of Sn2+.

A novel asymmetrical diarylethene with a di-(ethyl-1,8-naphthalimidyl)amine unit was synthesized. Its fluorescence can be effectively modulated by UV–vis, TFA/TEA, and Sn2+. The fluorescence intensity of the title compound was enhanced upon addition of TFA or Sn2+, which was ascribed to the blocked PET process by protonation of the tertiary amine or complexation with Sn2+. As a result, the diarylethene can serve as a fluorescence chemosensor for highly selective recognition of Sn2+ in THF. Moreover, a logic circuit was designed with one optical output responding to three inputs.

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