1,10-Pyrene-monoimides: a new class of electron acceptors and excimer-forming fluorescent dyes

Abstract

We present the first synthesis of highly fluorescent 1,10-pyreneimide. The peri-fused imide group grants the compound a reversible single-electron reduction, while the pyrene core causes distinct red-shifted excimer emission at higher concentrations. Pyrene monoimides display valuable photophysical properties for a wide variety of applications from fluorescent tags to electron accepting moieties in organic semiconductors. We explore the impact of four different R-groups on solubility, optical and electronic properties, including the propensity to form excimers.