Zhang, Yu, Qu, Wenjing, Yang, Jianhua, Jia, Lihua, Li, Lan, Cao, Hongjie, and Guo, Xiangfeng
A novel sensor T2 was synthesized through the introduction of N,N -di (pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine into the quinolimide fluorophore. T2 could detect Cd2+ and Zn2+ via fluorescence enhanced signals, and Cd2+ was distinguished from Zn2+ through the visible color change and the addition of S2−. The T2 -Cd2+ complex exhibited the exceptional selectivity to S2− through the restored fluorescence. Moreover, the combinational logic gate with OR and INHIBIT functions was constructed by using the controlled fluorescence "off-on" states of T2. The recoveries of Cd2+ and Zn2+ in water samples with T2 were in range of 95.6%–106.5%. And T2 was used for the visualization of Cd2+, Zn2+, and S2− in yeast cells. [Display omitted] • The quinolimide-based sensor T2 was developed for sensing Cd2+, Zn2+, and S2−. • T2 could distinguish Cd2+ from Zn2+ through the visible color change and the addition of S2−. • The T2-Cd2+ complex exhibited the exceptional selectivity to S2−. • The combinational logic gate with OR and INHIBIT functions was constructed. • T2 was applied to detect Cd2+, Zn2+, and S2− in water samples as well as in yeast cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]