A mechano-responsive fluorescent xerogel based on an anthracene-substituted acylhydrazone derivative†
Abstract
A symmetrical anthracene-based acylhydrazone derivative (AHBP-8) was designed and synthesized. AHBP-8 can form a stable organogel in THF and chlorobenzene and enhanced fluorescence emission has been observed after gelation. AHBP-8 shows an uncommon aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon. The AHBP-8 xerogel shows mechanofluorochromic behavior, with its maximum emission shifting from 542 nm to 569 nm upon grinding. Based on SEM, XRD, DSC and FTIR studies, the observed mechanofluorochromism of AHBP-8 is attributed to crystalline-amorphous phase transformation and the resulting enhancement of π-stacking degree.