A highly selective fluorescent probe for Cd2+ and Zn2+ based on a new diarylethene with quinoline-benzimidazole conjugated system

A new diarylethene derivative containing a quinoline-benzimidazole conjugated system had been designed, synthesized, and utilized as a fluorescent probe. The probe could effectively respond to the stimulation of light and metal ions. It exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward Cd2+ and Zn2+ with different binding modes, approved by the Job's plot, H-1 NMR, and HRMS experiments. A combinational logic circuit was constructed by using the UV light, visible light, and metal ions (Cd2+/Zn2+) as three inputs and fluorescence intensity as output. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.