A bifunctional, colorimetric and fluorescent probe for recognition of Cu2+ and Hg2+ and its application in molecular logic gate

A bifunctional probe 1 with iminocoumarin scaffold demonstrated different responses for Cu2+ and Hg2+. In fluorescence mode of probe 1, the intensity at 528 nm was quenched severely upon the addition of Cu2+ or Hg2+. Meanwhile, a new fluorescence band at 574 nm appeared in the case of Hg2+. In its UV-Vis absorption mode, significant hypochromic shift for Cu2+ and bathochromic shift for Hg2+ occurred, which are in agreement with the observation of distinct color changes. In addition, probe 1 can be used for the construction of a molecular logic gate with NOR and INHIBIT logic functions.