Synthesis and solvatochromic behavior of branched oligophenylenes with hydroxy groups

Abstract

Investigation of the solvatochromic behavior in branched oligophenylenes (OPs) will lead to a better understanding of intramolecular charge transfer behavior in the aromatic compounds and toward the development of new functional materials. However, there is no report on solvatochromism of branched OP. In this study, branched OPs with phenolic hydroxy groups were synthesized by using reactions with transition metal complexes. The treatment of these compounds with a base produced corresponding deprotonated species, whose absorption and photoluminescence peak positions in solution shifted towards longer wavelengths with an increase in the donor numbers of the solvents. These results will be useful in providing information for the development of new solvatochromic and energy trapping materials based on branched aromatic compounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.