Three-input-three-output logic operations based on absorption and fluorescence dual-mode from a thiourea compound

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Developing selective and sensitive chemosensors is crucial for environmental monitoring and biological analysis.
• Organic molecules with tunable electronic properties are promising candidates for molecular recognition and signal transduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel organic molecule (receptor 1) for anion detection.
• To investigate the sensing mechanism of receptor 1 using spectroscopic methods.
• To demonstrate the application of receptor 1 in performing molecular logic operations.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 2-naphthol-1-aldehyde-conjugated thiourea (receptor 1).
• Spectroscopic analysis (absorption and fluorescence) in DMSO-H2O solutions.
• Anion titration experiments with various anions (F-, AcO-, H2PO4-).
• Implementation of binary logic gates (OR, NOR, INHIBIT).

Main Results:

• Receptor 1 exhibits significant changes in absorption and fluorescence spectra upon anion binding.
• The sensing mechanism involves modulation of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) processes.
• Receptor 1 demonstrates tolerance to water in aqueous solutions for anion recognition.
• Successful demonstration of molecular binary logic operations (OR, NOR, INHIBIT) with dual-mode output.

Conclusions:

• Receptor 1 is a versatile chemosensor for anion detection in partially aqueous media.
• The molecule's ability to modulate ICT processes facilitates sensitive and selective anion recognition.
• The developed system provides a platform for constructing complex molecular logic circuits with dual-mode signaling.