1-Cyano-1,2-bis(biphenyl)ethene (CNBE) derivatives with a hexa(ethylene glycol) group as an amphiphilic side chain were synthesized and the self-assembling character and fluorescence behavior were investigated. The amphiphilic derivatives showed aggregate-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) in water and in the solid state. The fluorescence quantum yield increased as the rigidity of the aggregates increased (i.e., in ethyl acetate<in water<in the solid state). As determined from measurements of fluorescence spectra, fluorescence quantum yields, and fluorescence lifetimes, a key factor for the enhanced emission is suppression of the nonradiative decay process arising from restricted molecular motion. Additionally, the difference in the emission rate constant is not negligible and can be used to interpret the difference in fluorescence quantum yield in water and in the solid state.
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