Synthesis and properties of aggregation-induced emission enhancement compounds derived from triarylcyclopentadiene

Abstract

A series of triarylcyclopentadiene derivatives were synthesized and their crystal structures and photoluminescence properties in solution and aggregation state were studied. Their maximum fluorescence emission wavelengths were 452–483 nm. Four of them have weak emission in solution but intense emission when aggregated in water/acetonitrile mixture or in crystals showing a typical aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE). The crystal structure analysis reveals that the aromatic C–H⋯π interactions are the origin of the AIEE. Additionally, DFT calculations, and the thermal and electrochemical properties of these compounds were investigated.