A rhodamine-benzothiazole conjugated sensor for colorimetric, ratiometric and sequential recognition of copper(II) and sulfide in aqueous media.

A new rhodamine-benzothiazole conjugated colorimetric sensor 1 that exhibits sequential recognition to Cu(2+) and S(2-) in CH3CN/HEPES buffer (v/v=1:1, HEPES 10mM, pH=7.0) solution has been developed. Sensor 1 displays highly selective and sensitive recognition to Cu(2+) with a ratiometric behavior, and the resultant 1-Cu(2+) complex can act as a highly selective S(2-) sensor via Cu(2+) displacement approach. The Cu(2+) and S(2-) recognition processes are rapid and reversible, and the Cu(2+) and S(2-) inputs can result in an INHIBIT logic gate.