Emission behaviors of unsymmetrical 1,3-diaryl-β-diketones: a model perfectly disclosing the effect of molecular conformation on luminescence of organic solids

Sci Rep. 2015 Mar 16:5:9140. doi: 10.1038/srep09140.

Abstract

A series of unsymmetrical 1,3-diaryl-β-diketones 1-6 displaying molecular conformation-dependent fluorescence quantum yields have been synthesized. Crystals with planar molecular conformation such as 1, 2, 3 and 4 are highly fluorescent (φf: 39-53%), and the one holding slightly twisted conformation (5) is moderately luminescent (φf = 17%), while crystal 6 possessing heavily bent structure is completely nonluminous (φf ~ 0). The distinct fluorescence efficiencies are ascribed to their different molecular conformations, since all the crystals hold the same crystal system, space group and crystal packing structures. Additionally, the fluorescent crystals 1-5 display low threshold amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with small full widths at half-maximum (FWHM: 3-7 nm), indicating their potential as candidates for organic crystal lasing devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't