1,2,3-Triazoles: Controlled Switches in Logic Gate Applications

Abstract

A 1,2,3-triazole-based chemosensor is used for selective switching in logic gate operations through colorimetric and fluorometric response mechanisms. The molecular probe synthesized via "click chemistry" resulted in a non-fluorescent 1,4-diaryl-1,2,3-triazole with a phenol moiety (<b>PTP</b>). However, upon sensing fluoride, it TURNS ON the molecule's fluorescence. The TURN-OFF order occurs through fluorescence quenching of the sensor when metal ions, e.g., Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺, are added to the <b>PTP</b>-fluoride ensemble. A detailed characterization using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in a sequential titration study substantiated the photophysical characteristics of <b>PTP</b> through UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence profiles. A combination of fluorescence OFF-ON-OFF sequences provides evidence of 1,2,3-triazoles being controlled switches applicable to multimodal logic operations. The "INH" gate was constructed based on the fluorescence output of <b>PTP</b> when the inputs are F^- and Zn²⁺. The "IMP" and "OR" gates were created on the colorimetric output responses using the probe's absorption with multiple inputs (F^- and Zn²⁺ or Cu²⁺). The <b>PTP</b> sensor is the best example of the "Write-Read-Erase-Read" mimic.