A new ligand and its complex with multi-stimuli-responsive and aggregation-induced emission effects

Abstract

A new ligand containing tetraphenylethylene and terpyridine moieties, and its zinc ion complex were synthesized. Both of them exhibit an aggregation-induced emission effect. Their colors and emissions can be smartly switched by various external stimuli including grinding, heating and solvent-fuming, as well as exposure to acid and base vapors.