Aggregation induced emission characteristics of maleimide derivatives

Abstract

A simple microwave assisted protocol for the construction of maleimides from various anilines and dialkyl acetylene dicarboxylates has been demonstrated. The AIE property of one of the maleimide derivatives has been studied in detail. The maleimide is AIE-active, and its color, fluorescence efficiency, quantum yield and fluorescence lifetime can be readily tuned by adding water to the THF solution. Compound 3a is found to be weakly luminescent when it is dissolved in THF, but its luminescence intensity increases enormously by the gradual addition of water up to 90% with associated increase in quantum yield and fluorescence lifetime.