Al3+‐Morpholine‐appended Anthracene Ensemble as a Dual Photonic Switch for H2PO4− and CN− Ions and its Biological Applications

A highly selective Al3+‐morpholine anthracene (1•Al 3+) chelate was designed as a novel fluorescent photonic switch for H2PO4− and CN− ions. The in situ‐generated Al3+ chelate could be used to detect H2PO4− ions only in the absence of CN− ions. In contrast, CN− ions effectively extruded Al3+ from the chelate, resulting in the regeneration of probe 1 with a concomitant revival of PET, resulting in a turn‐off response. By exploiting the complexation‐ and decomplexation‐aided off–on switching system through the sequential addition of Al3+ followed by H2PO4− or CN−, combinational photonic logic circuits, as well as image‐guided fluorogenic tracking, was demonstrated. In situ generated 1‐Al 3+ (1:2) detected H2PO4‐ and CN‐ selectively, and exhibited ‘switch‐on’ and ‘switch‐off’ responses in 50% aqueous DMSO.