Aggregation-tuned dual emission of silole derivatives: synthesis, crystal structure, and photophysical properties

Abstract

Silole-based derivatives were synthesized by a conventional hydrosilylation reaction of 1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1H-silole. Novel silole derivatives are highly emissive in the microcrystalline state, and their fluorescent properties show combined characteristics of the constituting units. The designed compounds demonstrate two emissive wavelengths in the solution and in the solid-state, and the dual emission is tuned by the aggregation state in the mixed solvent. The compound containing silole and pyrene units shows polymorphism-dependent solid-state emissive behavior. The crystal packing of the target compounds is influenced by the steric effects of corresponding different molecular structures.