A pentaquinone based probe for relay recognition of F− and Cu2+ ions: sequential logic operations at the molecular level

Abstract

A pentaquinone based compound (2a) has been synthesized, which can selectively sense F⁻ ions via fluorescence quenching, while the in situ generated deprotonated species of 2a can recognize Cu²⁺ ions via a fluorescence enhancement. Derivative 2a can also behave as a sequential logic circuit with chemical inputs from F⁻ and Cu²⁺ ions.