Aminoanthraquinone-based chemosensors: colorimetric molecular logic mimicking molecular trafficking and a set–reset memorized device

Abstract

The synthesis, photophysical properties, protonation and metal–ion coordination features of a family of four (3–6) anthraquinone-based schiff base derivatives are reported. The outstanding UV-vis absorption properties of the 1-aminoanthraquinone chromophore allowed the efficient visual detection and quantification of Cu²⁺ and/or Ni²⁺ in buffered aqueous solution. Analysis of spectrophotometric data with SPECFIT yielded the macroscopic and microscopic stability constants of the complexes. Furthermore, the different optical output signals (i.e. absorbance) observed with addition of various metal ions to a solution of 6 can be used for mimicking the operation of a traffic signal and “Set–Reset” molecular level information processing device.