Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence from 3-amidophthalimides displaying RGBY emission in the solid state

Fluorescence properties of phthalimide derivatives (1) incorporating sulfonamide and acetamide functionalities at the 3-position were investigated both in solution and in the solid states to reveal the effects of the amide functionalities on the fluorescence properties. In the solid state, sulfonamides 1a and 1b, respectively, gave off red (λ^F_max 595?nm) and green (λ^F_max 537?nm) emission through an ESIPT process. Acetamides 1c and 1d, respectively displayed blue (λ^F_max 432?nm) and yellow (λ^F_max 560?nm) emission. Through simply modifying the amide functionality, phthalimide 1 displayed multicolor RGBY emission in the solid state.     

Synthesis and properties of through‐space conjugated polymers based on cyano‐substituted poly(p‐arylenevinylene)s

New through‐space cyano‐substituted poly(p‐arylenevinylene)s containing a [2.2]paracyclophane unit were synthesized by the Knoevenagel reaction. Polymers 5 and 7 have cyano groups at α‐positions and β‐positions from the dialkoxyphenylene unit, respectively. Their optical and electrochemical behaviors were investigated in detail in comparison with their model compounds. Polymers 5 and 7 exhibited through‐space conjugation via the cyclophane units. Polymer 5 showed greenish blue emission (λ_max = 477 nm) in diluted solution with fluorescence quantum efficiency (?_F) of only 0.007, whereas polymer 7 emitted in the bluish green region (λ_max = 510 nm) with ?_F of 0.32. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5979–5988, 2009     

New star-shaped molecules derived from thieno[3,2-b]thiophene unit and triphenylamine

A series of new substituted triphenylamine (TPA) derivatives with alkyl thieno[3,2-b]thiophene and thiophene units were synthesized in a combinatorial manner. Suzuki coupling of a dioxaborolane TPA derivative and 2-bromo-3-nonylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene or Stille coupling of fresh stannyl thieno[3,2-b]thiophene was used. All compounds were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, HRMS, UV-vis spectrometry and DSC measurements. It was demonstrated that the optical and thermal properties of these materials can be tuned by varying both the conjugation length and thienothiophene and thiophene combination on the TPA branches. Moreover, the measured molar extinction coefficients were increasing from 63,000 (λ_max = 354 nm) to 131,000 L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹ (λ_max = 428 nm) for TPA-thienothiophenes and TPA-bithiophene thienothiophenes, respectively. Some of them showed molecular glass behavior.     

A Macrocyclic Fluorophore Dimer with Flexible Linkers: Bright Excimer Emission with a Long Fluorescence Lifetime

Bright fluorescent molecules with long fluorescence lifetimes are important for the development of lifetime‐based fluorescence imaging techniques. Herein, a molecular design is described for simultaneously attaining long fluorescence lifetime (τ) and high brightness (Φ_F×?) in a system that features macrocyclic dimerization of fluorescent π‐conjugated skeletons with flexible linkers. An alkylene‐linked macrocyclic dimer of bis(thienylethynyl)anthracene was found to show excimer emission with a long fluorescence lifetime (τ≈19 ns) in solution, while maintaining high brightness. A comparison with various relevant derivatives revealed that the macrocyclic structure and the length of the alkylene chains play crucial roles in attaining these properties. In vitro time‐gated imaging experiments were conducted as a proof‐of‐principle for the superiority of this macrocyclic fluorophore relative to the commercial fluorescent dye Alexa Fluor 488.     

Novel chalcone derivatives with large conjugation structures as photosensitizers for versatile photopolymerization

Four chalcones with large conjugation structures were designed and synthesized. Strong light absorption within the UV–vis range (λ_max = 380–410 nm, ε_max = 10,200–33,600 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) matched the emission of light-emitting diodes within 385–450 nm. Compared with that of phenyl ring-containing chalcone, the bathochromic shift of the four chalcones was due to the enlarged conjugation structure and the intramolecular charge transfer effect. The reactive species produced from two- or three-component photoinitiating systems (PISs) based on chalcone-containing triphenyl amine and N-ethyl carbazole combined with an iodonium salt or/and an amine were highly efficient for versatile photopolymerizations (i.e., radical, cationic, blending, and thiol-ene polymerizations) upon soft exposure conditions (385–425 nm LEDs). UV–vis spectra, theoretical calculation, electrochemistry, real-time nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and fluorescence quenching were investigated to determine the photochemical mechanism. Chalcone photoisomerization, which mainly occurred in anthracene-containing chalcone, weakened the initiation ability of the PISs. These chalcones have promising applications in photopolymerization.     

Host–Guest Recognition and Fluorescence of a Tetraphenylethene‐Based Octacationic Cage

We report the synthesis and characterization of a three‐dimensional tetraphenylethene‐based octacationic cage that shows host–guest recognition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. coronene) in organic media and water‐soluble dyes (e.g. sulforhodamine 101) in aqueous media through CH???π, π–π, and/or electrostatic interactions. The cage?coronene exhibits a cuboid internal cavity with a size of approximately 17.2×11.0×6.96 ų and a “hamburger”‐type host–guest complex, which is hierarchically stacked into 1D nanotubes and a 3D supramolecular framework. The free cage possesses a similar cavity in the crystalline state. Furthermore, a host–guest complex formed between the octacationic cage and sulforhodamine 101 had a higher absolute quantum yield (Φ_F=28.5 %), larger excitation–emission gap (Δλ_ex‐em=211 nm), and longer emission lifetime (τ=7.0 ns) as compared to the guest (Φ_F=10.5 %; Δλ_ex‐em=11 nm; τ=4.9 ns), and purer emission (Δλ_FWHM=38 nm) as compared to the host (Δλ_FWHM=111 nm).     

Phosphorescence at Low Temperature by External Heavy-Atom Effect in Zinc(II) Clusters

Luminescent Zn^II clusters [Zn₄L₄(μ₃-OMe)₂X₂] (X=SCN ( 1 ), Cl ( 2 ), Br ( 3 )) and [Zn₇L₆(μ₃-OMe)₂(μ₃-OH)₄]Y₂ (Y=I⁻ ( 4 ), ClO₄⁻ ( 5 )), HL=methyl-3-methoxysalicylate, exhibiting blue fluorescence at room temperature (λ_max=416≈429 nm, Φ_em=0.09–0.36) have been synthesised and investigated in detail. In one case the external heavy-atom effect (EHE) arising the presence of iodide counter anions yielded phosphorescence with a long emission lifetime (λ_max=520 nm, τ=95.3 ms) at 77 K. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis and time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations revealed that their emission origin was attributed to the fluorescence from the singlet ligand-centred (¹LC) excited state, and the phosphorescence observed in 4 was caused by the EHE of counter anions having strong CH−I interactions.     

Synthesis,characterization, luminescence,antibacterial, and catalytic activities of a palladium(II) complex involving a Schiff base

A new Pd(II) complex of fluorine-containing Schiff base ligand, [Pd₂(L)₂Cl₂] (1) [L?=?N-(4-fluorobenzylidene)-2,6-diethylbenzenamine], has been synthesized using solvothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, UV–vis absorption spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a μ-chloro-bridged dinuclear cyclometallated Pd(II) complex. Thermal analysis indicates that 1 is quite stable to heat. 1 exhibits quadruple emissions in the solid state (λ _max?=?766?nm) and possesses fluorescence lifetimes (τ ₁?=?87.20?ns, τ ₂?=?190.45?ns, and τ ₃?=?1805.10?ns at 616?nm); broad structureless bands at 690–800?nm are tentatively assigned to an excimeric ³IL transition. The Schiff base (L) and its palladium(II) compound (1) have been screened for their antibacterial activity against several bacteria, and the results are compared with the activity of penicillin. Moreover, 1 has been shown to be highly effective in the Heck reaction of 4-bromotoluene with acrylic acid.     

Evaluation of Anisole‐Substituted Boron Difluoride Formazanate Complexes for Fluorescence Cell Imaging

Evaluation of three subclasses of boron difluoride formazanate complexes bearing o‐, m‐, and p‐anisole N‐aryl substituents (Ar) as readily accessible alternatives to boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes for cell imaging applications is described. While the wavelengths of maximum absorption (λ_max) and emission (λ_em) observed for each subclass of complexes, which differed by their carbon‐bound substituents (R), were similar, the emission quantum yields for 7 a – c (R=cyano) were enhanced relative to 8 a – c (R=nitro) and 9 a – c (R=phenyl). Complexes 7 a – c and 8 a – c were also significantly easier to reduce electrochemically to their radical anion and dianion forms compared to 9 a – c . Within each subclass, the o‐substituted derivatives were more difficult to reduce, had shorter λ_max and λ_em, and lower emission quantum yields than the p‐substituted analogues as a result of sterically driven twisting of the N‐aryl substituents and a decrease in the degree of π‐conjugation. The m‐substituted complexes were the least difficult to reduce and possessed intermediate λ_max, λ_em, and quantum yields. The complexes studied also exhibited large Stokes shifts (82–152 nm, 2143–5483 cm^?1). Finally, the utility of complex 7 c (Ar=p‐anisole, R=cyano), which can be prepared for just a few dollars per gram, for fluorescence cell imaging was demonstrated. The use of 7 c and 4′,6‐diamino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) allowed for simultaneous imaging of the cytoplasm and nucleus of mouse fibroblast cells.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures and Photophysical Properties of a Series of Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymers

Three cadmium(II) coordination polymers [Cd(NA)₂(H₂O)₂]_n ( 1 ), {[Cd(NA)(phen)(NO₃)]·(H₂O)_1/2}_n ( 2 ), {[Cd(NA)(CH₃C₆H₄COO)(H₂O)₂]·(CH₃C₆H₄COOH)}_n ( 3 ) (HNA = nicotinic acid, phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline) have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. Their single‐crystal structures were determined by X‐ray diffractometry. The absorption, excitation and emission spectra were investigated and all the complexes emit strong fluorescence: λ^em_max = 544 nm (λ^ex = 492 nm), 1 ; λ^em_max = 466 nm (λ^ex = 393 nm), 2 ; λ^em_max = 430 nm (λ^ex = 313 nm), 3 . At room temperature in the solid state the fluorescence lifetimes of the complexes were investigated and the relationships between the spectra were discussed as well as the connections of luminescence and crystal structures.     

Host–Guest Recognition and Fluorescence of a Tetraphenylethene-Based Octacationic Cage

We report the synthesis and characterization of a three-dimensional tetraphenylethene-based octacationic cage that shows host–guest recognition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. coronene) in organic media and water-soluble dyes (e.g. sulforhodamine 101) in aqueous media through CH⋅⋅⋅π, π–π, and/or electrostatic interactions. The cage⊃coronene exhibits a cuboid internal cavity with a size of approximately 17.2×11.0×6.96 ų and a “hamburger”-type host–guest complex, which is hierarchically stacked into 1D nanotubes and a 3D supramolecular framework. The free cage possesses a similar cavity in the crystalline state. Furthermore, a host–guest complex formed between the octacationic cage and sulforhodamine 101 had a higher absolute quantum yield (Φ_F=28.5 %), larger excitation–emission gap (Δλ_ex-em=211 nm), and longer emission lifetime (τ=7.0 ns) as compared to the guest (Φ_F=10.5 %; Δλ_ex-em=11 nm; τ=4.9 ns), and purer emission (Δλ_FWHM=38 nm) as compared to the host (Δλ_FWHM=111 nm).     

Synthesis,Photophysics and Redox Properties of Aza-BODIPY Dyes with Electron-Donating Groups

A series of novel aza-BODIPY dyes substituted with p-(dimethylamino)phenyl groups were synthesized and their spectral and electrochemical properties were compared. In particular, the impact of p-(Me₂N)Ph- groups on these characteristics was of consideration. For two aza-BODIPYs studied, a near-IR absorption band was observed at circa λ_abs=796 nm. Due to the pronounced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) exerted by the presence of strongly electron-donating p-(Me₂N)Ph- substituents, the compounds studied were weakly emissive with the singlet lifetimes (τ_S) in the picosecond range. Nanosecond laser photolysis experiments of the brominated aza-BODIPYs revealed T₁→T_n absorption spanning from ca. 350 nm to ca. 550 nm with the triplet lifetimes (τ_T) ranged between 6.0 μs and 8.5 μs. The optical properties of the aza-BODIPYs studied were pH-sensitive. Upon protonation of the dimethylamino groups with trifluoroacetic acid in toluene, a stepwise disappearance of the NIR absorption band at λ_abs=790 nm was observed with the concomitant appearance of a blue-shifted absorption band at λ_abs=652 nm, which was accompanied by a prominent emission band at λ_fl=680 nm. The transformation from a non-emissive to an emissive compound is associated with the inhibition of the ICT. As estimated by CV/DPV measurements, all aza-BODIPYs studied exhibited two irreversible oxidation and two quasi-reversible reduction processes. All compounds studied exhibit extremely high photostability and thermal stability.     

Water‐Soluble Luminescent Cyclometalated Gold(III) Complexes with cis‐Chelating Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Ligands: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties

A new class of cyclometalated Au^III complexes containing various bidentate C‐deprotonated C^N and cis‐chelating bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) (bis‐NHC) ligands has been synthesized and characterized. These are the first examples of Au^III complexes supported by cis‐chelating bis‐NHC ligands. [Au(C^N)(bis‐NHC)] complexes display emission in solutions under degassed condition at room temperature with emission maxima (λ_max) at 498–633 nm and emission quantum yields of up to 10.1 %. The emissions are assigned to triplet intraligand (IL) π→π* transitions of C^N ligands. The Au^III complex containing a C^N (C‐deprotonated naphthalene‐substituted quinoline) ligand with extended π‐conjugation exhibits prompt fluorescence and phosphorescence of comparable intensity with λ_max at 454 and 611 nm respectively. With sulfonate‐functionalized bis‐NHC ligand, four water‐soluble luminescent Au^III complexes, including those displaying both fluorescence and phosphorescence, were prepared. They show similar photophysical properties in water when compared with their counterparts in acetonitrile. The long phosphorescence lifetime of the water‐soluble AuIII complex with C‐deprotonated naphthalene‐substituted quinoline ligand renders it to function as ratiometric sensor for oxygen. Inhibitory activity of one of these water‐soluble Au^III complexes towards deubiquitinase (DUB) UCHL3 has been investigated; this complex also displayed a significant inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 0.15 μM .     

Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Oligo(triacetylene)s and Oligo(phenylenetriacetylene)s Employing Sonogashira and Cadiot?Chodkiewicz‐Type Cross‐Coupling Reactions

We describe the first polymer‐supported synthesis of poly(triacetylene)‐derived monodisperse oligomers, utilizing Pd⁰‐catalyzed Sonogashira and Cadiot? Chodkiewicz‐type cross‐couplings as the key steps in the construction of the acetylenic scaffolds. For our investigations, Merrifield resin functionalized with a 1‐(4‐iodoaryl)triazene linker was chosen as the polymeric support ( R2 ; Figure and Scheme 3). The linker selection was made based on the results of several model studies in the liquid phase (Schemes 1 and 2). For the solid‐support synthesis of the oligo(phenylene triacetylene)s 7b – 7d , a set of only three reactions was required: i) Pd⁰‐catalyzed Sonogashira cross‐coupling, ii) Me₃Si? alkyne deprotection by protodesilylation, and iii) cleavage of the linker with liberation of the generated oligomers (Scheme 5). The longest‐wavelength absorption maxima of the oligo(phenylene triacetylene)s 7a – 7d shift bathochromically with increasing oligomeric length, from λ_max 337 nm (monomer 7a ) to 384 nm (tetramer 7d ; Table 2). Based on the electronic absorption data, the effective conjugation length (ECL) of the oligo(phenylene triacetylene)s is estimated to involve at least four monomer units and 40 C‐atoms. π‐Electron conjugation in these oligomers is less efficient than in the known oligo(triacetylene)s 14a – 14d (Table 2) due to poor transmittance of π‐electron delocalization by the phenyl rings inserted into the oligomeric backbone. Similar conclusions were drawn from the electrochemical properties of the two oligomeric series as determined by cyclic (CV) and rotating‐disk voltammetry (RDV; Table 3). In sharp contrast to 14b – 14d , the oligo(phenylene triacetylene)s 7b – 7d are strongly fluorescent, with the highest quantum yield Φ_F=0.69 measured for trimer 7c (Table 2). Whereas the Sonogashira cross‐coupling on solid support proceeded smoothly, optimal conditions for alkyne? alkyne cross‐coupling reactions employing Pd⁰‐catalyzed Cadiot? Chodkiewicz conditions still remain to be developed, despite extensive experimentation (Scheme 7 and Table 1).     

3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT)-based π-conjugated oligomers: Facile synthesis and excited-state properties

A facile synthetic method to produce soluble 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) oligomers was developed by using iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate as the oxidizing reagent. Two EDOT oligomers, i.e. octomers and octodecamers were obtained as the major products. Their UV–vis absorption, fluorescence at room temperature and 77 K, and triplet transient difference absorption have been measured in CH₂Cl₂ solutions or glassy solutions. With increased conjugation length from EDOT octomers (A) to EDOT octodecamers (B), the UV–vis absorption, fluorescence and the triplet transient difference absorption band shift to longer wavelength. Both the oligomers also exhibit reasonably high efficiency to generate singlet oxygen.     

Steric Demand and Rate‐determining Step for Photoenolization of Di‐ortho‐substituted Acetophenone Derivatives

Laser flash photolysis of ketone 1 in argon‐saturated methanol yields triplet biradical 1BR (τ = 63 ns) that intersystem crosses to form photoenols Z‐1P (λ_max = 350 nm, τ ~ 10 μs) and E‐1P (λ_max = 350 nm, τ > 6 ms). The activation barrier for Z‐1P re‐forming ketone 1 through a 1,5‐H shift was determined as 7.7 ± 0.3 kcal mol^?1. In contrast, for ketone 2, which has a less sterically hindered carbonyl moiety, laser flash photolysis in argon‐saturated methanol revealed the formation of biradical 2BR (λ_max = 330 nm, τ ~ 303 ns) that intersystem crosses to form photoenol E‐2P (λ_max = 350 nm, τ > 42 μs), but photoenol Z‐2P was not detected. However, in more viscous basic H‐bond acceptor (BHA) solvent, such as hexamethylphosphoramide, triplet 2BR intersystem crosses to form both Z‐2P (λ_max = 370 nm, τ ~ 1.5 μs) and E‐2P. Thus, laser flash photolysis of ketone 2 in methanol reveals that intersystem crossing from 2BR to form Z‐2P is slower than the 1,5‐H shift of Z‐2P, whereas in viscous BHA solvents, the 1,5‐H shift becomes slower than the intersystem crossing from 2BR to Z‐2P. Density functional theory and coupled cluster calculations were performed to support the reaction mechanisms for photoenolization of ketones 1 and 2 .     

Synthesis and fluorescence characterization of MEHPPV oligomers

Trimer, tetramer, and pentamer oligomers based on the polymer backbone structure of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) have been synthesized by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reactions. The fluorescence spectra, emission quantum yields, and lifetimes of the oligomers have been characterized in dilute chloroform solutions. The oligomers exhibit a sequential increase in absorption and emission wavelength maxima and a decrease in fluorescence lifetime as the π conjugation length is increased. The shortening in excited state lifetime is shown to be due to an increase in the rates of both radiative and nonradiative processes. The absence of a mirror-image relationship for the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the oligomers is attributed to the photoexcitation of a range of torsional configurations followed by relaxation to a more planar arrangement that then emits.     

Synthesis,One‐ and Two‐Photon Photophysical and Excited‐State Properties,and Sensing Application of a New Phosphorescent Dinuclear Cationic Iridium(III) Complex

A new phosphorescent dinuclear cationic iridium(III) complex ( Ir1 ) with a donor–acceptor–π‐bridge–acceptor–donor (D? A? π? A? D)‐conjugated oligomer ( L1 ) as a N^N ligand and a triarylboron compound as a C^N ligand has been synthesized. The photophysical and excited‐state properties of Ir1 and L1 were investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and molecular‐orbital calculations, and they were compared with those of the mononuclear iridium(III) complex [Ir(Bpq)₂(bpy)]⁺PF₆^? ( Ir0 ). Compared with Ir0 , complex Ir1 shows a more‐intense optical‐absorption capability, especially in the visible‐light region. For example, complex Ir1 shows an intense absorption band that is centered at λ=448 nm with a molar extinction coefficient (ε) of about 10⁴, which is rarely observed for iridium(III) complexes. Complex Ir1 displays highly efficient orange–red phosphorescent emission with an emission wavelength of 606 nm and a quantum efficiency of 0.13 at room temperature. We also investigated the two‐photon‐absorption properties of complexes Ir0 , Ir1 , and L1 . The free ligand ( L1 ) has a relatively small two‐photon absorption cross‐section (δ_max=195 GM), but, when complexed with iridium(III) to afford dinuclear complex Ir1 , it exhibits a higher two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section than ligand L1 in the near‐infrared region and an intense two‐photon‐excited phosphorescent emission. The maximum two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section of Ir1 is 481 GM, which is also significantly larger than that of Ir0 . In addition, because the strong B? F interaction between the dimesitylboryl groups and F^? ions interrupts the extended π‐conjugation, complex Ir1 can be used as an excellent one‐ and two‐photon‐excited “ON–OFF” phosphorescent probe for F^? ions.     

Optical and luminescence properties of Dy3+ ions in phosphate based glasses

Phosphate glasses with compositions of 44P₂O₅ + 17K₂O + 9Al₂O₃ + (30 − x)CaF₂ + xDy₂O₃ (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mol %) were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), optical absorption, emission and decay measurements. The observed absorption bands were analyzed by using the free-ion Hamiltonian (H_FI) model. The Judd–Ofelt (JO) analysis has been performed and the intensity parameters (Ω_λ, λ = 2, 4, 6) were evaluated in order to predict the radiative properties of the excited states. From the emission spectra, the effective band widths (Δλ_eff), stimulated emission cross-sections (σ(λ_p)), yellow to blue (Y/B) intensity ratios and chromaticity color coordinates (x, y) have been determined. The fluorescence decays from the ⁴F_9/2 level of Dy³⁺ ions were measured by monitoring the intense ⁴F_9/2 → ⁶H_15/2 transition (486 nm). The experimental lifetimes (τ_exp) are found to decrease with the increase of Dy³⁺ ions concentration due to the quenching process. The decay curves are perfectly single exponential at lower concentrations and gradually changes to non-exponential for higher concentrations. The non-exponential decay curves are well fitted to the Inokuti–Hirayama (IH) model for S = 6, which indicates that the energy transfer between the donor and acceptor is of dipole–dipole type. The systematic analysis of revealed that the energy transfer mechanism strongly depends on Dy³⁺ ions concentration and the host glass composition.     

Synthesis of a Tetrabenzotetraaza[8]circulene by a “Fold‐In” Oxidative Fusion Reaction

Tetrabenzotetraaza[8]circulene ( 1 ) has been synthesized in good yield by a “fold‐in” oxidative fusion reaction of a 1,2‐phenylene‐bridged cyclic tetrapyrrole. X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1 has revealed a planar square structure with a central cyclooctatetraene (COT) core that shows little alternation of the bond lengths. Despite these structural features, 1 shows aromatic‐like character, such as sharp absorption bands, high fluorescence quantum yields (Φ_F=0.55 in THF), and a single exponential fluorescence decay with τ_F=3.8 ns. These observations indicate a dominant contribution of an [8]radialene‐like π conjugation and hence aromatic character of the local aromatic segments in 1 .