Fluorescence-based reconfigurable and resettable molecular arithmetic mode

Reconfigurable and resettable arithmetic functions from a dual-emissive molecule, 1,2-di[5-methoxy-2-(2-pyridiyl)thiazoyl]ethyne (DMPTE), were realized. On the basis of its chemical-sensitive fluorescence, the half-adder is idealized by the introduction of sodium sulfide and trifluoroacetic acid, while the half-subtractor is constructed with sodium hydroxide and trifluoroacetic acid. Each signal of the fluorescent outputs triggered by the chemical inputs is compensated through the proper reset agents, resulting in the initial solution state being restored. Through the reversible control of the fluorescent on-off states, the arithmetic functions are reconfigured and reset. Thus, both the half-adder and the half-subtractor are idealized in a single cell with a successive introduction of chemical inputs.