Fluorescent 1:2 demultiplexer and half-subtractor based on the hydrolysis of N-salicylidene-3-aminopyridine

In moist chloroform solution, the ultraviolet light irradiation would cause N-salicylidene-3-aminopyridine (L) to hydrolyze into salicylaldehyde and 3-aminopyridine. To consider an optical signal (UV light) and a chemical signal (Zn²⁺) as inputs, the luminescence signals as outputs, the logic behavior of compound L was investigated. Interestingly, excited by two different wavelengths lights, two sharp distinct fluorescent spectra were collected. Consequently, a fluorescent 1:2 demultiplexer and a fluorescent half-subtractor were respectively expressed.