A π-conjugated system with flexibility and rigidity that shows environment-dependent RGB luminescence

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Jun 19;135(24):8842-5. doi: 10.1021/ja404198h. Epub 2013 Jun 5.

Abstract

We have designed and synthesized a π-conjugated system that consists of a flexible and nonplanar π joint and two emissive rigid and planar wings. This molecular system exhibits respectively red, green, and blue (RGB) emission from a single-component luminophore in different environments, namely in polymer matrix, in solution, and in crystals. The flexible unit gives rise to a dynamic conformational change in the excited state from a nonplanar V-shaped structure to a planar structure, leading to a dual fluorescence of blue and green colors. The rigid and planar moieties favor the formation of a two-fold π-stacked array of the V-shaped molecules in the crystalline state, which produces a red excimer-like emission. These RGB emissions are attained without changing the excitation energy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Luminescent Agents / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Solutions

Substances

  • Luminescent Agents
  • Polymers
  • Solutions