A pyrene-armed hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene as a multi-sensor via synergistic and demetallation effects

A new pyrene-armed hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene L has been synthesized, which exhibits a pronounced fluorescence enhancement response toward Cu2+ ions via a Zn2+ or Cd2+ triggered synergistic effect. Additionally, the L·Cu2+ complex can subsequently serve as a sensor for F− via anion-induced demetallation. The fluorescence responses by the input of Cu2+, Zn2+/Cd2+ and F− can be constructed as a combinational logic gate which mimics a set of molecular traffic signals.