Phosphine-Manipulated p-π and π-π Synergy Enables Efficient Ultralong Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescence

Organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) attracts extensive attentions, but still faces the challenge of achieving both high RTP efficiencies (η_RTP) and long lifetimes (τ_RTP), due to the intrinsic contradiction between triplet radiation and stabilization. In this work, we developed three carbazole-triphenylphosphine hybrids named xCzTPP, in which phosphine groups provide nonbonding electrons and steric hindrance to modulate intermolecular p-π and π-π interactions. With the rational orientations and spatial positions of functional groups, para-substituted pCzTPP achieves high η_RTP over 10 % and more than twofold increased τ_RTP (>600 ms), compared to ortho- and meta- isomers. Theoretical simulation and photophysical investigation indicate that the strongest intermolecular p-π and π-π electronic interplays of pCzTPP harmonize high transition probability of ³pπ state and triplet stability of ³ππ state, reflecting the p-π and π-π synergy in RTP process.     

Thiazole Boron Difluoride Dyes with Large Stokes Shift,Solid State Emission and Room-Temperature Phosphorescence

The small Stokes shift and weak emission in the solid state are two main shortcomings associated with the boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) family of dyes. This study presents the design, synthesis and luminescent properties of boron difluoro complexes of 2-aryl-5-alkylamino-4-alkylaminocarbonylthiazoles. These dyes display Stokes shifts (Δλ, 77–101 nm) with quantum yields (ϕ_FL) up to 64.9 and 34.7 % in toluene solution and in solid state, respectively. Some of these compounds exhibit dual fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) emission properties with modulable phosphorescence quantum yields (ϕ_PL) and lifetime (τ_p up to 251 μs). The presence of intramolecular H-bonds and negligible π-π stacking revealed by X-ray crystal structure might account for the observed large Stokes shift and significant solid-state emission of these fluorophores, while the enhanced spin-orbit coupling (SOC) of iodine and the self-assembly driven by halogen bonding, π-π and C−H^…π interactions could be responsible for the observed RTP of iodine containing phosphors.     

Utilizing d–pπ Bonds for Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence

Developing pure organic materials with ultralong lifetimes is attractive but challenging. Here we report a concise chemical approach to regulate the electronic configuration for phosphorescence enhancement. After the introduction of d–pπ bonds into a phenothiazine model system, a phosphorescence lifetime enhancement of up to 19 times was observed for DOPPMO, compared to the reference PPMO. A record phosphorescence lifetime of up to 876 ms was obtained in phosphorescent phenothiazine. Theoretical calculations and single‐crystal analysis reveal that the d–pπ bond not only reduces the (n, π*) proportion of the T₁ state, but also endows the rigid molecular environment with multiple intermolecular interactions, thus enabling long‐lived phosphorescence. This finding makes a valuable contribution to the prolongation of phosphorescence lifetimes and the extension of the scope of phosphorescent materials.     

Persistent Room Temperature Phosphorescence from Triarylboranes: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Achieving highly efficient phosphorescence in purely organic luminophors at room temperature remains a major challenge due to slow intersystem crossing (ISC) rates in combination with effective non‐radiative processes in those systems. Most room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) organic materials have O‐ or N‐lone pairs leading to low lying (n, π*) and (π, π*) excited states which accelerate k_isc through El‐Sayed's rule. Herein, we report the first persistent RTP with lifetimes up to 0.5 s from simple triarylboranes which have no lone pairs. RTP is only observed in the crystalline state and in highly doped PMMA films which are indicative of aggregation induced emission (AIE). Detailed crystal structure analysis suggested that intermolecular interactions are important for efficient RTP. Furthermore, photophysical studies of the isolated molecules in a frozen glass, in combination with DFT/MRCI calculations, show that (σ, B p)→(π, B p) transitions accelerate the ISC process. This work provides a new approach for the design of RTP materials without (n, π*) transitions.     

Comparable charge transport property based on S…S interactions with that of π-π stacking in a bis-fused tetrathiafulvalene compound

Compact molecular packing with short π-π stacking and large π-overlap in organic semiconductors is desirable for efficient charge transport and high carrier mobility.Thus charge transport anisotropy along different directions is commonly observed in organic semiconductors.Interestingly,in this article,we found that comparable charge transport property were achieved based on the single crystals of a bis-fused tetrathiafulvalene derivative(EM-TTP) compound along two interaction directions,that is,the multiple strong S…S intermolecular interactions and the π-π stacking direction,with the measured electrical conductivity and hole mobility of 0.4 S cm~(-1),0.94 cm~2 V~(-1) s~(-1) and 0.2 S cm~(-1),0.65 cm2 V~(-1) s~(-1),respectively.This finding provides us a new molecular design concept for developing novel organic semiconductors with isotropic charge transport property through the synergistic effect of multiple intermolecular interactions(such as S…S interactions) and π-π stacking.     

New [2,2]Fluorenophanes Give Insights into Asymmetric Charge Transfer-Mediated Exciton Delocalization along the π-π Packing Direction

A series of new [2,2]fluorenophanes has been synthesized and characterized; among them, molecules of crystallographically asymmetric anti-[2.2](1,4)(4,1)fluorenophane ( K2C -2) aggregate to form one-dimensional supramolecular chain structures through effective intermolecular π-π overlapping. This, in combination with the synergistic intramolecular π-π interaction, leads to prominent dual emission mediated by charge transfer (CT) exciton delocalization. Support of this new insight is given by mapping the transition density along the π-π packing direction where the intramolecular excitation and intermolecular CT coexist in K2C -2.     

Synthesis and structural studies of some fluorescent group XII metal complexes with a terpyridine based ligand

Three 4′-(2-thienyl) substituted terpyridine (thioterpy) complexes of cadmium(II) and mercury(II) have been synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopies. According to the crystallographic studies, the packing of these complexes was stabilized by several intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding, C-H?π and π?π. Finally, the florescent properties of the prepared complexes have been investigated.     

New N-heterocyclic carbene mercury(II) and silver(I) complexes

The complexes [1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-3-octylimy]₂Hg[HgCl₄] (2a) (imy = imidazol-2-ylidene) and [1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-3-butylbimy]₂AgPF₆ (2b) (bimy = benzimidazol-2-ylidene) have been prepared and characterized. Crystal packing of complex 2a revealed that 1D polymeric chains are formed by [1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-3-octylimy]Hg and [HgCl₄]²⁻ through weak Hg…Cl bonds. The packing diagram of 2b showed that 1D supramolecular chains are formed by both benzimidazole ring head to tail π–π stacking interactions and anthracene ring face-to-face π–π stacking interactions.     

Crystal‐State Photochromism and Dual‐Mode Mechanochromism of an Organic Molecule with Fluorescence,Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence,and Delayed Fluorescence

A D‐A‐D′ type pure organic molecule, named ODFRCZ, has unique triple‐emission character covering fluorescence, phosphorescence, and delayed fluorescence (DF). The phosphorescence of ODFRCZ has a rather long lifetime of about 350 ms at room temperature. One dimer of ODFRCZ with enhanced parallel molecular packing acts more effectively to prompt ISC processes, which further generates room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), owing to the larger transition dipole moment and closer energy level between S₁ and T_n. ODFRCZ is a rare example of an organic RTP molecule that shows dual‐stimuli responsiveness of dual‐mode mechanochromism (fluorescence red‐shift and RTP/DF on‐off switch) and reversible crystal‐state photochromism. This work may broaden the knowledge for stimuli‐responsive RTP organic molecules and lay the foundation for their wide‐scale applications.     

Crystal‐State Photochromism and Dual‐Mode Mechanochromism of an Organic Molecule with Fluorescence,Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence,and Delayed Fluorescence

A D‐A‐D′ type pure organic molecule, named ODFRCZ, has unique triple‐emission character covering fluorescence, phosphorescence, and delayed fluorescence (DF). The phosphorescence of ODFRCZ has a rather long lifetime of about 350 ms at room temperature. One dimer of ODFRCZ with enhanced parallel molecular packing acts more effectively to prompt ISC processes, which further generates room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), owing to the larger transition dipole moment and closer energy level between S₁ and T_n. ODFRCZ is a rare example of an organic RTP molecule that shows dual‐stimuli responsiveness of dual‐mode mechanochromism (fluorescence red‐shift and RTP/DF on‐off switch) and reversible crystal‐state photochromism. This work may broaden the knowledge for stimuli‐responsive RTP organic molecules and lay the foundation for their wide‐scale applications.     

Room-temperature phosphorescence from purely organic materials

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have attracted great attention due to their involvement of excited triplet states and comparatively long decay lifetimes. In this short review, recent progress on enhancement of RTP from purely organic materials is summarized. According to the mechanism of phosphorescence emission, two principles are discussed to construct efficient RTP materials: one is promoting intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiency by using aromatic carbonyl, heavyatom, or/and heterocycle/heteroatom containing compounds; the other is suppressing intramolecular motion and intermolecular collision which can quench excited triplet states, including embedding phosphors into polymers and packing them tightly in crystals. With aforementioned strategies, RTP from purely organic materials was achieved both in fluid and rigid media.     

Supramolecular interaction patterns in the zinc(II) dichloride and tin(IV) tetrachloride complexes with dipyrido[f,h]quinoxaline‐6,7‐dicarbonitrile

This study characterizes the supramolecular synthons that dominate the intermolecular organization of the title compounds, namely dichloridobis(dipyrido[f,h]quinoxaline‐6,7‐dicarbonitrile)zinc(II), [ZnCl₂(C₁₆H₆N₆)₂], (I), and tetrachlorido(dipyrido[f,h]quinoxaline‐6,7‐dicarbonitrile)tin(IV), [SnCl₄(C₁₆H₆N₆)], (II), in their respective crystal structures. Molecules of (I) are located on 2^b axes of rotational symmetry. Their crystal packing is stabilized mostly by π–π stacking and dipole–dipole attractions between the organic ligand fragments of inversion‐related neighbouring species, as well as by weak intermolecular C—H...N hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, Cl...π and N...π interactions seem to direct the crystal packing in (II), which is unusual in the sense that its aromatic fragments are not involved in π–π stacking. Molecules of (II) are located on m^b planes of mirror symmetry. This study confirms the diverse structural chemistry of this organic ligand, which can be involved in a wide range of supramolecular interactions. These include effective coordination to various metal ions via the phenathroline N‐atom sites, π–π stacking and π...halogen contacts through its extended π‐system, and hydrogen bonding and N...π interactions through its nitrile groups. The competing natures of the latter make it difficult to predict a priori the preferred supramolecular motif that may form in a given structure.     

A Simple Organic Molecule Realizing Simultaneous TADF,RTP, AIE,and Mechanoluminescence: Understanding the Mechanism Behind the Multifunctional Emitter

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and mechanoluminescence (ML) have attracted widespread interest. However, a multifunctional organic emitter exhibiting simultaneous AIE, TADF, RTP, and ML has not been reported. Now, two multifunctional blue emitters with very simple structures, mono‐DMACDPS and Me‐DMACDPS, exhibit typical AIE, TADF, and RTP properties but different behavior in mechanoluminescence. Crystal structure analysis reveals that large dipole moment and multiple intermolecular interactions with tight packing mode endow mono‐DMACDPS with strong ML. Combined with the data of crystal analysis and theoretical calculation, the separated monomer and dimer in the crystal lead to the typical TADF and RTP properties, respectively. Simple‐structure mono‐DMACDPS is the first example realizing TADF, RTP, AIE, and ML simultaneously.     

Photoelectron spectra of the allyl amines

The Hel photoelectron spectra of the three allyl amines show low ionization potential bands arising from nitrogen lone-pair n electrons and ethylenic π-bond electrons. Analysis of the spectra using MINDO/3 calculations and comparisons with ionization data of related molecules shows that π-π interactions are considerable, but n-π interactions are small. The π-π splitting in triallyl amine is consistent with a near-planar C₃ symmetry structure for the gas phase molecule.     

A Simple Organic Molecule Realizing Simultaneous TADF,RTP, AIE,and Mechanoluminescence: Understanding the Mechanism Behind the Multifunctional Emitter

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and mechanoluminescence (ML) have attracted widespread interest. However, a multifunctional organic emitter exhibiting simultaneous AIE, TADF, RTP, and ML has not been reported. Now, two multifunctional blue emitters with very simple structures, mono‐DMACDPS and Me‐DMACDPS, exhibit typical AIE, TADF, and RTP properties but different behavior in mechanoluminescence. Crystal structure analysis reveals that large dipole moment and multiple intermolecular interactions with tight packing mode endow mono‐DMACDPS with strong ML. Combined with the data of crystal analysis and theoretical calculation, the separated monomer and dimer in the crystal lead to the typical TADF and RTP properties, respectively. Simple‐structure mono‐DMACDPS is the first example realizing TADF, RTP, AIE, and ML simultaneously.     

Configurational studies of complexes of various tea catechins and caffeine in crystal state

Crystals of the complexes of (+)-catechin (CA) of non-galloylated catechin and (-)-catechin-3-O-gallate (Cg) of galloylated catechin with caffeine were prepared, and their stereochemical structures and intermolecular interactions were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. CA formed a 1 : 1 complex with caffeine by intermolecular hydrogen bonds, whereas Cg formed a 1 : 2 complex with caffeine, which was formed by face-to-face and offset π-π interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. A solution of two kinds of non-galloylated catechin, CA and (-)-epicatechin (EC), and caffeine (molar ratio 1 : 1 : 2) in water afforded a 1 : 1 : 2 complex, the crystal structure of which had two layers, one layer in which CA and caffeine formed alternate lines and an other layer in which EC and caffeine formed alternate lines. The 1 : 1 : 2 complex was formed by offset π-π and CH-π interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic, thermal, crystal characterization and biological activity of [Ni(phen)3][Ni(dipic)2]2.17H2O (H2dipic:pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, phen: 1,10-phenanthroline)

The new [Ni(phen)₃][Ni(dipic)₂]₂.17H₂O (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, dipic = dipicolinate)) has been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, magnetic measurement and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex consists of two tris(1,10-phenanthroline)nickel(II) cations, two bis(dipicolinato)nickelate(II) anions and seventeen uncoordinated water molecules. The Ni(II) complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1. The complex consisting of cation has distorted octahedral coordination by three bidentate phen ligands. In the complex anion, each dipic ligand simultaneously exhibits tridentate coordination modes through N atom of pyridine ring and oxygen atoms of the carboxylate groups. The crystal packing of 1 is a composite of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, π-π and C-H?π interactions. The complex has also been investigated in terms of biological activity and it showed high activity against S. aureus from Gram positive bacteria and C. albicans from yeast tested.     

4,6‐Bis­(methyl­sulfanyl)‐1‐(4‐phenoxy­butyl)‐1H‐pyrazolo­[3,4‐d]­pyrimidine

The molecular structure of the title compound, C₁₇H₂₀N₄OS₂, does not show any intramolecular aromatic π–π interactions, but the crystal packing reveals the presence of intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...π interactions. The C—H...O interactions generate chains of mol­ecules that are linked into sheets by C—H...π interactions about inversion centres.     

Multiple Luminescence Responses towards Mechanical Stimulus and Photo-Induction: The Key Role of the Stuck Packing Mode and Tunable Intermolecular Interactions

Organic luminescence with different forms continues to be one of the most active research fields in science and technology. Herein, an ultra-simple organic molecule (TPA-B), which exhibits both mechanoluminescence (ML) and photo-induced room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in the crystalline state, provides an opportunity to reveal the internal mechanism of ML and the dynamic process of photo-induced RTP in the same molecule. Through the detailed investigation of photophysical properties together with crystal structures, the key role of molecular packing and intermolecular interactions was highlighted in the luminescence response by mechanical and light stimulus, affording efficient strategies to design potential smart functional materials with multiple luminescence properties.     

A new 1D coordination polymer constructed by CaCl2 with 5-aminoiosphtalic acid (H2AIP) and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands using the water bath method

A new coordination polymer, [Ca(AIP)(Phen)(H₂O)₂] · Phen · H₂O (H₂AIP = 5-aminoisophthalic acid, Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), was synthesized using the water bath method and characterized by elemental analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed that I has an interesting 1D chain structure. The adjacent chains are further connected together via the π-π packing interactions and hydrogen bonding interactions.