Understanding the Role of Chalcogens in Ether‐Based Luminophores with Aggregation‐Induced Fluorescence and Phosphorescence

• Published in: ChemPhotoChem 2020-06, Vol.4 (6), p.398-406
• Main Authors: Riebe, Steffen, Wölper, Christoph, Balszuweit, Jan, Hayduk, Matthias, Gutierrez Suburu, Matias Ezequiel, Strassert, Cristian A., Doltsinis, Nikos L., Voskuhl, Jens
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: aggregation-induced emission; chalcogens; density functional calculations; ethers; luminescence
• ISSN: 2367-0932; 2367-0932
• DOI: 10.1002/cptc.202000002

We describe the role of chalcogen variation (O, S, Se and Te) on the photoluminescence properties of ether‐based luminophores showing aggregation‐induced fluorescence and phosphorescence. To this end, a library of eleven different compounds with varying substitution patterns was synthesized and analyzed in terms of their photophysical properties. Ortho‐ and tetra‐ selenoethers revealed remarkable phosphorescence properties. To the best of our knowledge, these are one of the first phosphorescent organic selenium‐containing compounds featuring AIE properties. Besides photophysical investigations, X‐ray diffractometric analyses were performed, yielding the molecular structures of nine compounds in a crystalline environment, facilitating a direct correlation between the packing and the emission performances. All experimental results were supported by quantum chemical calculations providing an in‐depth understanding of the role of chalcogens within this class of compounds. Spot the difference: A series of ether‐based luminophores with aggregation‐induced fluorescence and phosphorescence was synthesized and the influence of the chalcogens on the photophysical properties was investigated.