A multi-receptor fluorescence signaling system exhibiting enhancement selectively in presence of Na(I) and Tl(I) ions

A PET fluorescence signaling system L1 has been synthesized in the ‘Receptor1-Spacer-Fluorophore-Spacer-Receptor2’ format through attachment of a laterally non-symmetric heteroditopic cryptand and a 4,7,10,13-tetraoxa-1-azacyclopentadecane macrocycle at the 9- and 10-positions of anthracene. The cryptand receptor is derivatized with two 2,4-dinitrobenzene groups to impart structural rigidity. This system exhibits selective fluorescence enhancement in presence of Na(I) and Tl(I) ions simultaneously and mimics the AND logic function. The cryptand receptor also binds a Cu(II) ion outside the cavity and allows L1 to perform as an INHIBIT chemical logic in presence of H+ and Cu(II) ions.