A new fluorescence probe based on diarylethene with a benzothiazine unit for selective detection of Cd2+

A novel photochromic diarylethene derivative containing a benzothiazine unit has been synthesized. Its photochromism and fluorescent selectivity to metal ions were studied in detail in methanol solution. Under the stimulation of Cd2+ ions, the derivative showed a significant fluorescence enhancement and obvious red shift, accompanied by the fluorescent color changed from dark purple to bright blue. The 1:1 stoichiometry between the derivative and Cd2+ was verified by titration experiments and high resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, a molecular logic circuit was designed with the emission intensity at 476 nm as output and the stimuli of Cd2+/EDTA and UV/vis as inputs. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.