Anthraimidazoledione-Terpyridine-Based Optical Chemosensor for Anions and Cations That Works As Molecular Half-Subtractor, Key-Pad Lock, and Memory Device

Abstract

We designed in this work a new family of anthraquinone and imidazole functionalized bifunctional terpyridine receptor, 2-(4-(2,6-di(pyridine-4-yl)phenyl)-1H-anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-6,11-dione (tpy-HPhImz-Anq) for recognition and sensing of selective anions and cations as well as for the construction of multifunctional logic devices. The terpyridine motif in the receptor was utilized for the cation coordination site and the imidazole moiety as the anion binding site. Both anion and cation recognition aspects of the receptor were thoroughly investigated in acetonitrile, mixed DMSO–water, as well as in solid media via different optical channels such as absorption, steady state, and time-resolved emission spectroscopic techniques. On the basis of the absorption and emission spectral responses toward a specific set of ionic inputs, this unique bifunctional receptor can mimic several advanced logic functions such as those of half-subtractor, key-pad lock, and memory device. We also report the implementation of t...