A chemosensor showing discriminating fluorescent response for highly selective and nanomolar detection of Cu2+ and Zn2+ and its application in molecular logic gate

•Receptor 3 was developed by condensation reaction.•Highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ and Zn2+ in semi-aqueous system.•The detection limit of 5 nM and 15 nM for Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions, respectively.•Receptor 3 application in INHIBIT type logic gate.

A fluorescent based receptor (4Z)-4-(4-diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene amino)-1,2dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenylpyrazol-3-one (receptor 3) was developed for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ and Zn2+ in semi-aqueous system. The fluorescence of receptor 3 was enhanced and quenched, respectively, with the addition of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions over other surveyed cations. The receptor formed host-guest complexes in 1:1 stoichiometry with the detection limit of 5 nM and 15 nM for Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions, respectively. Further, we have effectively utilized the two metal ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+) as chemical inputs for the manufacture of INHIBIT type logic gate at molecular level using the fluorescence responses of receptor 3 at 450 nm.

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