A Simple and Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Zn(2+) and H(+) Ions in Aqueous Solution with OR Logic Gate Function

The synthesis and properties of a new compound, viz., (N,N'-[1,10-phenanthroline-4,7-diyldi((E)methylylidene)]bis(1,10-phenanthrolin-5-amine) (1), is described. Compound 1 can be used as a selective fluorescent Zn(2+) sensor in buffered solution. Furthermore, 1 induces turn on fluorogenic response to H(+) ions. Finally, it is shown that an OR logic gate can be constructed with 1 by using Zn(2+) and H(+) as two-inputs. Graphical Abstract In this paper, the design, synthesis and physicochemical properties of a new compound 1 based on 1,10-phenanthroline scaffold, is reported. It is noted that 1 can be used as a selective fluorescent Zn(2+) sensor in 0.01 M HEPES buffer containing DMF (2 % v/v, pH = 7.4) at room temperature. Furthermore, the spectrophotometric results suggest that compound 1 can be used as a pH reporter in highly acidic conditions (pH < 5). Finally, it was also shown that an OR logic gate can be constructed with 1 by using Zn(2+) and H(+) as two-inputs.