An iridium(III) complex as a versatile platform for molecular logic gates: an integrated full subtractor and 1:2 demultiplexer.

The iridium(III) complex 1 operates as a versatile platform for molecular logic gates fulfilling multiple logic functions depending on the inputs and the interrogation channels. In the UV-vis channel, it works as an INH, OR, and NINH gate with F(-) and H2PO4 (-) as inputs when following the absorbance at 244, 262, and 457 nm, respectively. More importantly, the combination of photoluminescence (PL) intensity ratio (I 700/I 600) and transmittance at 457 nm resulted in the setup of a 1:2 demultiplexer with F(-) and CO2 as inputs. Finally, a three-input (BF3, F(-), and H2PO4 (-)) full subtractor was realized by integrating the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensity at 642 nm and the absorbance at 262 nm. Graphical abstract Multichannel detection and the proper combination of inputs are the key for the elaboration of sophisticated logic gates.