Sequential Detection of CN- and HSO4- Anions in an Aqueous Environment Utilizing a New Colorimetric Azoimine Receptor: Mimicking Logic Gate Behaviour and a Security Keypad Lock

Abstract

A new isonicotiamide-based azoimine receptor has been successfully devised and synthesised for dual-recognition of CN− and HSO4− anions in aqueous media (3 : 2 DMSO–water solution). The devised azomethine probe detected lethal cyanide ions under UV-vis spectroscopy through the rapid appearance of an orange colour. More importantly, the colour and spectroscopic changes of the devised chemosensor could be revived upon the addition of HSO4− to the sensor containing cyanide ions. Furthermore, other surveyed anions failed to induce a similar response. Interestingly, based on changes in absorption intensity at a particular wavelength in the presence of two aforementioned anions, as two chemical inputs, an INHIBIT logic gate has been elaborated. Moreover, the reversibility of the sensory system provided an opportunity to present a sequential logic circuit at a molecular level. In accession, the target chemosensor could operate as a molecular keypad lock with sequential chemical inputs of CN− and HSO4− anions.