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.