In the presented paper we investigated a 2-pyridylthiazole derivative, 4-phenyl-2-(2-pyridyl)thiazole (2-PTP), as the molecular fluorescent switches. It was firstly found that 2-PTP could perform a "turn-on" fluorescent sensing for Fe(III) with selectivity and reversibility. A 2:1 stoichiometry between 2-PTP and Fe(III) was determined according to the molar ratio method. The binding constant was evaluated as (1.90 ± 0.05) × 10(5) (L/mol)(2). The detection limit was found as 2.2 × 10(-7) M (S/N = 3). Secondly, 2-PTP also exhibited a pH-dependent dual-emission. The pK a(2-PTP-H(+)/2-PTP) value was then estimated as 2.0. To explain the identical emission at 479 nm of both the Fe(III) coordinated form and the protonated form of the ligand, we proposed a "locked" conformation. Finally, combining the two external stimuli as inputs, an OR logic gate was constructed using the fluorescent emission at 479 nm as the output channel.
Keywords: 2-pyridylthiazole; Fe(III); Fluorescence; OR logic gate; pH.