Fluorescent logic operations based on azobenzene-containing compounds

Photophysical properties of new azobenzene-containing compounds (E)-2-((2-(undec-10-enoyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl)phenol (1) and 2-((E)-(2-((E)-3-bromoallyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl)phenol (2) were studied at various pH levels. The two substituents, 1 (pKa 9.38) and 2 (pKa 11.38) exhibited large differences in their sensing characteristics toward metal cations. 1 can act as a fluorescent INHIBIT logic gate driven by pH (HO−) and Zn2+ ions, while 2 can be made to operate OR logic gate by appropriate interaction with HO− and Cu2+ as chemical inputs.