A novel effectual molecular receptor, 2a [4-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-(1-(3-methylpyridin-2-ylimine)ethyl)-2H-chromene-2-one], has been synthesized and characterised. The metallo-supramolecular complex of 2a–Co2+ exhibits a change in optical properties with CN− (0.12 μM LOD) via a complexation method. Furthermore, CN− binding strongly perturbs the redox properties of the 2a–Co2+ complex. The possible binding mode was confirmed by IR, NMR and mass spectroscopic studies. The practical applicability of 2a as an IMPLICATION logic gate based on the emission changes with the input of Co2+ and CN− was investigated.
